Community Health Nurse, Adult Shelters

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals families and communities across the region and an intermediary agent managing large-scale contracts government and philanthropic partnerships and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication strategic leadership and deep mission alignment.

Summary :

The community health nurse coordinates services in shelters for homeless adults and families (rotates between 2-3 assigned shelter locations). The community health nurse will provide triage of acute health problems coordinate medical care provided by community healthcare providers and function as a team member with the extended HCH shelter outreach team. All services are provided in collaboration with on-site shelter management staff the nursing supervisor and community providers serving the shelter population. The nurse reports to the Supervisor of Shelter Services.

Age/Patient Populations Served

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical

• Provide triage referring clients to emergency departments Health Connections or other health care providers as appropriate.
• Provide client-centered health services that incorporate self-management plans.
• Provide age-appropriate immunizations according to the most recent CDC immunization schedule utilizing standing orders.
• Provide family planning / HIV services including testing and counseling according to the most recent Family Planning Council guidelines within the scope of RN practice.
• Provide/coordinate chronic disease management; educate the client re: self- care and medication management.
• Provide nursing case management tracking referrals labs and follow-up.
• Document all services promptly.
• Submit paperwork weekly; reports biweekly.
• Observe HIPAA requirements and provide patient privacy within the limitations of the site.
• Organize group education programs as appropriate for the target population.
• Train shelter staff (as needed) on universal precautions communicable disease prevention and management medication management and other health issues.
• Additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Coordination

• Collaborate with shelter case managers to facilitate services to residents
• Advocate for consumers as appropriate.
• Notify immediate supervisor of any significant problems including client care staffing changes/issues at sites and system problems.
• Connect clients to primary care behavioral health family violence or other social services as needed.
• Oversee tracking of follow-up HIPAA compliance medication safety and other risk management activities at clinical sites.
• Oversee lab services medical waste pick-up manage shelter supplies and other shelter-based services.
• Develop collaborative relationships with shelter providers and community health care providers. Coordinate referral for services to on-site and community providers.
• Meet with the Director of Shelter Services (in-person or teleconference) weekly to discuss the progress of residents on-site.
• Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified.

Environment of care

• Check the emergency box monthly and maintain a log. Restock as needed.
• Check the fire extinguisher monthly. Maintain log. Report problems to the supervisor.
• Submit the environment of care report monthly for each site. Discuss any deficiencies with the Director of Shelter Services.
• Maintain medical equipment and logs. Report problems to the supervisor.
• Manage proper biohazard waste disposal. Report biohazard waste management issues to the supervisor.
• Manage lab specimen collection proper patient identification on specimens and complete appropriate lab slips. Organize lab service pick-up as needed.
• Manage shelter supplies by online ordering and Family Planning supplies through the Family Planning Coordinator.
• Order VFARR vaccines according to Philadelphia Department of Health Immunization Program guidelines. Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures maintain logs.

Infection Control

• Observe ambulatory care guidelines for infection control (hand washing care of environment use of safety syringes and sharps containers use of personal protective equipment).
• Notify the Infection Control Coordinator immediately of suspected or confirmed cases of communicable disease.
• Manage or participate as needed in shelter-based communicable disease outbreaks emergency preparedness/disaster response and other health initiatives.
• Participate in emergency preparedness educational activities; become a member of the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps.
• Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified.

Skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in primary care community health and/or behavioral health preferred

Experience:

• 3 years in nursing required.

Education

• Associates in Nursing required.
• BSN or MSN preferred.

Licenses and certifications:

• Pennsylvania RN licensure required.

Travel:

• Visits St. Johns Broad Street Mission various other sites

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

Required Experience:

IC