COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE, FAMILY SHELTER

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment.The community health nurse coordinates services in shelters for homeless families. 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 and staff and with community providers serving the shelter population. The nurse reports to the Director of Shelter Services.Essential Duties and Responsibilities : Clinical

• Provide triage, referring clients to emergency departments, MHHC, 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 most recent CDC immunization schedule utilizing standing orders.
• Provide family planning / HIV services including testing and counseling according to most recent Family Planning Council guidelines within the scope of RN practice.
• Provide / coordinate chronic disease management; educate client re : self- care and medication management
• Provide nursing case management, tracking referrals, labs and follow-up.
• Document all services in a timely manner. Submit paperwork weekly; reports biweekly.
• Observe HIPAA requirements and provide patient privacy within limitations of site.
• Organize group education programs, as appropriate, for 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 supervisor.
• Client contact : Approximately 60-70% of timeImpact of error : Clinical errors in this position, including poor clinical judgment and missed opportunities can result in serious consequences including injury, illness, and death. Measures to reduce the probability of clinical errors or their consequences include :
• Orientation program
• Training in CPR and use of emergency equipment
• Supervision / review of clinical records
• Tracking and recall systems
• Verbal and written information to clients
• Self audits
• Chart and MIS audits through Continuing Quality Improvement Committee
• Audits by outside agencies, e.g. Access Matters, Bureau of Primary Care
• Employee health policy regarding screening, immunizations, and injuries including needle sticks
• Client satisfaction surveys and focus groups
• Procedural errors can result in loss of reimbursement for clinical services or loss of funding streams. Measures to reduce the probability of procedural errors include :
• Training on billable services and completion of billing forms
• Supervision / review of billing forms
• Reconciliation / rebilling process
• Tracking and recall systems
• Chart and MIS audits through Continuing Quality Improvement Committee
• Audits by outside agencies, e.g. Family Planning Council, JACHO
• Communication / collaboration errors can result in loss of credibility with consumers, other agencies, and funders
• Measures to reduce the probability of errors include : Regular and ad hoc meetings with collaborating agencies, Clinical workgroups Management workgroupsSKILLS :
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Pediatric experience required
• Experience in, primary care, community health, home care and / or behavioral health preferred
• Experience with homeless people, racial minorities preferredEXPERIENCE : 3 years in nursing or related fieldEDUCATION REQUIREMENT : AD or diploma, required. BSN or MSN preferred.PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
• Travel is required between clinical site(s) by personal automobile or public transportation, reimbursed in accordance with PHMC's travel reimbursement policy
• Walking from public transportation and within sites is required
• Stair climbing in shelters may be required
• Carrying medical supplies, client charts, and forms is required. Packages over ten pounds can be mailed. Alternate arrangements can be discussed with supervisor or program manager.WORK ENVIRONMENT : Primary work environment is shelters, considered high risk for tuberculosis and other air-borne diseases. Communicable diarrheal diseases are common, particularly in family shelters, but transmission can be interrupted by appropriate hand washing. Many shelters are not wheel-chair accessible.SALARY : Based on experience - Salary Grade Learn More