PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

Reporting to the Tuberculosis Program Manager, the Public Health Nurse provides direct management of active Tuberculosis cases and contacts and contributes to health promotion and education initiatives. Responsibilities include:

• Provides direct public health nursing services for individuals, families, groups and the community according to the program specific policies and procedures and service plans; operational plans of TPH; the Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice and the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Carries out independent work in client's homes, shelters, correctional facilities, childcare facilities, schools, community agencies, workplaces, TPH offices, and in various community locations as required Assesses individual/family status and assists the individual/family in developing and achieving health goals. Provides clinical services, counsels, consults, collaborates and advocates for clients
• Makes initial service response assessments; provides health information, education and counselling. Assesses and makes referrals for Communicable Diseases Services and directs clients to community resources. Liaises with program areas and area office staff to ensure communication of relevant information and issues (e.g. review incoming lab slips reporting communicable diseases, provide assessment, counselling, education and referral to people diagnosed with a communicable disease for appropriate management)
• Provides appropriate public health services and liaises with and refers to other health professionals and agencies as needed
• Provides direct care to clients in their home, shelter and other community settings, providing clinical services under medical directives (e.g. Tuberculosis skin testing, treatment based on positive lab result for Tuberculosis, management of anaphylaxis and providing immediate care/action in emergency situations, orders laboratory tests, provides prescription for and/or dispenses medications as per Tuberculosis policies and procedures)
• Ensures the collection of appropriate clinical specimens and forwards to laboratory for analysis. Reviews and interprets test results and follows up on chest x-ray and CT scan reports, lab test results, prescribed medication and dosage with client and doctor and liaises with other health professionals as necessary
• Ensures Tuberculosis treatment is adequate for the disease. Ensures compliance with treatment for a reportable disease
• Identifies, tests and provides follow up of Tuberculosis contacts in all appropriate settings including high risk settings (e.g. shelters, correctional facilities, schools, childcare facilities)
• Maintains individual/family client records and necessary documentation according to the policies and procedures of TPH as well as the Standards of Practice set out by the College of Nurses
• Collaborates and consults with community groups, coalitions and agencies such as shelters, schools, community centres, or workplaces to assess health needs, and in partnership with the community group or agency plan/deliver and assist in implementation and evaluation of TPH program and services
• Facilitates community partnerships, and liaises with community agencies, groups or organizations to address community health issues and access to TPH program and services. Also provides consultation on policy development and implementation based on appropriate legislation and best practices
• Represents TPH on assigned community networks and committees
• Mentors, and provides orientation and training to new staff, Home Visitors, community professionals, students and peers
• Collaborates and liaises with other professionals, community agency staff and City of Toronto staff to identify health needs and participates in the development of community partnerships and action plans to meet those needs
• Prepares, submits and presents data and other reports, e.g. such as documentation, professional reports (journal articles, conference abstracts), requests for proposal for managerial approval and participates in the generation of Ministry of Health reports
• Appears and gives evidence in court and inquests when subpoenaed in consultation with management and legal services
• Presents and participates in professional conferences and workshops. Provides presentations to other health professionals/colleagues
• Participates in the development of policy, procedures/protocols and updating resources
• Participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation/research of public health programs and initiatives which include advocacy for healthy public policy, social marketing campaigns, community mobilization, health education and skill building
• Participates in the divisional planning process including the development of work plans based on operational program plans
• Participates in the coordination of projects as determined by program specific operational plans   Supports TPH responses to emergencies requiring Public Health assistance

Key Qualifications

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Province of Ontario
2. Bachelor of Nursing Degree from a recognized university, with preparation in Public Health
3. Considerable experience in the prevention and control of various communicable diseases, including experience delivering Tuberculosis Prevention and Control services
4. Experience in providing direct patient care independently in the community to homeless/under- housed clients, and clients new to Canada; within a multidisciplinary team
5. Experience in Health Promotion and Community Development
6. Possession of a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and regular access to a vehicle and willing to drive within the Greater Toronto Area

You Must Also Have:

• Experience and Knowledge in Tuberculosis Prevention and Control
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and practices
• Proficient in utilizing computer-based health information systems and databases, including Connecting Ontario (CO) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR), as well as various software programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain good personal and public relations
• Ability to prepare reports, provide health promotion and educational activities, and to prepare media releases, flyers, and other documents
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include overtime, shift work, evenings and weekend depending on the nature of the Public Health emergency