Community Health Nurse, Adult Shelters

Summary

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider and an intermediary agent, managing large-scale contracts and partnerships. The community health nurse coordinates services in shelters for homeless adults and families.

About the Role

The community health nurse reports to the Supervisor of Shelter Services and works in collaboration with on-site shelter management staff, the nursing supervisor, and community providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 regarding self-care and medication management.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cook up and 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.

Coordination

Coordinate services to residents, advocate for consumers, notify supervisors of significant problems, connect clients to social services, oversee risk management activities, develop relationships with providers, and meet with the Director of Shelter Services.

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.
• Manage proper biohazard waste disposal.
• Manage lab specimen collection, proper patient identification on specimens, and complete appropriate lab slips.
• Order VFARR vaccines according to Philadelphia Department of Health Immunization Program guidelines.
• Maintain 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.

Skills

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

Education and Experience

• Associates in Nursing required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
• 3 years of nursing experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Pennsylvania RN licensure required.