NURSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64000538

About the role

The Nursing Program Specialist (NPS) is a highly responsible nursing position under the supervision of the Operations & Management Consultant Manager – SES. This role serves as a member of the Tuberculosis (TB) Program healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care, and implement healthcare and public health interventions.

Responsibilities

• Receive referrals from community providers, hospitals, and laboratories for individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) or suspected or confirmed active TB disease.
• Coordinate with hospital infection preventionists for medical records requests, and perform comprehensive medical record abstraction to obtain history of present illness, risk factors, test results, comorbidities, and other pertinent epidemiological information for investigation.
• Complete performance measures within guidelines established by the State TB Control Section (TBCS) and maintain accurate, timely documentation and case management.
• Regularly communicate with TBCS and the TB Physicians Network (TBPN) to consult on and implement diagnostic and treatment plans for clients with active or suspected TB disease or LTBI.
• Order initial medication and refills under authorized standing orders, protocols, or physician direction, and issue medications to clients as needed.
• Maintain clinical progress, treatment compliance, and symptom changes related to TB and comorbidities, escalating concerns to TBPN and TBCS.
• Support the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) with directly observed therapy (DOT), including performing DOT when necessary.
• Organize and conduct contact investigations in household, occupational, and other settings.
• Collect and organize laboratory sample collection, such as blood, sputum for AFB/culture, therapeutic drug levels, and isolation-clearance specimens, to support diagnosis and treatment.
• Perform and interpret tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) as needed, and review laboratory results to guide further action.
• Conduct healthcare facility and home visits to complete investigations, observe environmental conditions, counsel clients and families on disease transmission, and recommend preventative measures.
• Document all clinical services in HMS, the TB Application Portal (TAP), and/or other systems required under TBCS guidelines.
• Maintain clinical and office supply inventory, attend assigned state and local TB meetings, provide education to healthcare facilities and providers on TB epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and conduct targeted outreach in communities or populations at increased risk for TB or LTBI.
• Provide patient education in a culturally competent manner.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in multiple electronic systems.
• Work beyond normal hours during emergencies, natural disasters, outbreaks, pandemics, or terrorist events, performing necessary nursing and public health responsibilities.

Requirements

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 210-8.22 or 8.27, HIV 500/501 certification, BLS certification.
• Up-to-date BLS Certification
• HIV 500/501 certification or obtain this certification within 90 days of hire.
• This position requires in-office or field work. Willingness to physically come into the office daily and perform field work as needed.
• Able to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.
• Able to perform phlebotomy on adults and children.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 210-8.22 or 8.27, HIV 500/501 certification, BLS certification.
• Up-to-date BLS Certification
• HIV 500/501 certification or obtain this certification within 90 days of hire.
• Willingness to work in office or field locations.
• Able to work beyond normal hours during emergencies, natural disasters, outbreaks, pandemics, or terrorist events.
• Able to perform phlebotomy on adults and children.
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited higher education institution.
• Experience working in a Tuberculosis, Refugee Health or Epidemiology Program at a tribal, local, or territorial health department.
• Experience in direct patient care, using electronic health records, and administering injectable medications.
• Knowledge of and skill in using Health Management System (HMS) and the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (FL SHOTS).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Benefits

The State of Florida offers a comprehensive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retail plan options, including employer contributions;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

Pay

$60,000 - $62,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time, on-call service as needed.