Communicable Disease Nurse

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to Communicable Disease Coordinator and under the direction of the local Medical Health Officer (MHO), the Communicable Disease (CD) Nurse is part of a public health team that aims to implement epidemiological methods for the investigation of reportable communicable disease in Island Health. The position entails delivery of preventive clinical services as well as CD education, consultation and counseling in accordance with established policies and procedures and based on a Population Health, Wellness and Harm Reduction philosophy of practice. CD investigation of individual cases, clusters and outbreaks including reportable blood borne disease, vaccine preventable disease, sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and some enteric and zoonotic disease.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education, Training And Experience

Graduation from a recognized nursing program with community or public health component and 2 years' recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN(C) registrant. Current BC College of Nurses and Midwives certified practice for STI management. Current BCCDC Immunization Certification. A minimum of two years recent public health nursing experience with a CD component or evidence of an equivalent combination of training, education and experience. Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of reportable communicable diseases, including vaccine preventable disease, blood borne disease, sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, enteric and zoonotic disease.
• Knowledge of immunization related to reportable communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of philosophies of practice in Population Health, Wellness, and Harm Reduction.
• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team seeking direction from and keeping the CD Coordinator and the local MHO informed on a case-by-case basis.
• Ability to coordinate tasks, multitask and work under stress and deadline pressures.
• Demonstrates appropriate and timely decision-making, including the ability to prioritize in response to divergent and emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate, both in verbal and written capacity, in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, both face-to-face and by telephone, when dealing with clients under stress.
• Ability to convey a non-judgmental attitude while interviewing, educating and counseling clients from multiple cultures and lifestyle choices, on confidential, personal and sensitive issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to foster good public relations and adhere to VIHA Communications policy.
• Effective interviewing, education and counseling skills.
• Demonstrates clinical competence congruent with the CD Nurse role.
  
  

Link To Full Job Description

https://jd.viha.ca/JD1109.pdf