Street Outreach Nurse - (214759)
Street Outreach Nurse - (214759)
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
In accordance with the Vision Purpose and Values and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Street Outreach Nurse is an integral part of the designated program and works under the direction of the Manager or designate. The role of the Street Outreach Nurse is based on the philosophy of harm reduction and focused on duties related to the prevention and control of reportable communicable disease specifically but not limited to HIV viral hepatitis tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Practice is consistent with BC College of Nurses and Midwives professional and practice standards. The target population is those who are street involved and at high risk or already infected with reportable communicable disease as noted above and who frequently suffer with mental health and/or addiction issues. The role is largely clinical with a complimentary educational component. The Street Nurse provides support to the MHO in the control and prevention of communicable disease as per Bill 23 Public Health (PH) Act 2008.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Training And Experience
Graduation from a recognized nursing program with community or public health component. A minimum of 5 years nursing experience a minimum of 2 of which is public health related preferably in the area of reportable communicable disease. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN(C) registrant. STI Certification with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives; Immunization Competency BC.
A valid BC drivers license is required.
Skills And Abilities
- A comprehensive knowledge of communicable diseases in general and specifically counseling testing and prophylaxis of HIV viral hepatitis TB and STI and treatment of TB and STI;
- Basic skills in epidemiology;
- HIV Partner Notification and Pre and Post Test Counseling with BCCDC are preferred
- An enhanced knowledge of application of harm reduction philosophy and principles to practice;
- An enhanced knowledge of cultural safety and application to practice; and
- A basic knowledge of mental health issues illicit drug use and problematic use of alcohol.
- Nursing clinical skills related to examination and testing for a range of communicable diseases including but not limited to HIV viral hepatitis STI and TB including: Venopuncture female pelvic exams STI exam pap test male STI exam TB skin and sputum test interpretation of laboratory results.
- First Aid and CPR;
- Basic skills in identifying drug induced and intoxicated states and withdrawal symptoms;
- Violence prevention and defusing violent behavior;
- Ability to work effectively and safely in an unstructured environment;
- Excellent communication public relations interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to develop professional relationships of trust with clients that will engage them in the clinical aspects of the Street Nurse Program and when ready to move them towards safer lifestyle practices and more mainstream health care services;
- Ability to monitor and report on a qualitative basis heath related issues that affect the target population;
- Ability to educate and present to client professional and community groups;
- Ability to apply a community development approach when working with client and community groups; and
- Computer literacy and data entry.
Requirements
Employment Type
Full-Time
