Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Public Health Management Corporation
Philadelphia, PA

Community Health Nurse, Adult Shelters

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 adults. 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. Coordination * 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, HIPPA 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. Coordinate referral for services to onsite and community providers. * Meet with Director of Shelter Services (in-person or teleconference) weekly to discuss progress of residents care. * Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified. Environment of care * Check emergency box monthly, maintain log. Restock as needed. * Check fire extinguisher monthly. Maintain log. Report problems to supervisor. * Submit environment of care report monthly for each site. Discuss any deficiencies with Director of Shelter Services. * Maintain medical equipment and logs. Report problems to supervisor. * Manage proper biohazard waste disposal. Report biohazard waste management issues to supervisor. * Mange lab specimen collection, proper patient identification on specimen and complete appropriate lab slips. Organize lab service pick-up as needed. * Manage shelter supplies by online ordering and Family Planning supplies through Family Planning Coordinator. * Order VFARR vaccines according to Philadelphia Department of Health Immunization Program guidelines. Monitor 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 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. * Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified. Skills * Good written and verbal communication skills in English * Experience in, primary care, community health, and/or behavioral health preferred Experience: * Years of experience: 3 years in nursing or related field Education * AD or diploma, required. BSN or MSN preferred. Licenses and certifications: * Pennsylvania RN Travel: * Visits St. Johns, Broad Street Mission, various other sites Salary: Commensurate with education and experience