Job/Position DescriptionUnder the direction of the Communicable Disease Program Manager and the team leadership of the TB Nurse Consultant (Eastern), under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs comprehensive TB nursing services in Public Health Region 8 (PHR 8). In collaboration with the TB Nurse Consultant, develop treatment plans for TB cases, suspects, and individuals with TB infection. Perform nursing assessments to determine if a patient has TB. Provide case management of TB cases and suspects. Provide directly observed therapy (DOT) and directly observed preventive therapy (DOPT) to cases, suspects, and TBI cases. Help ensure timely contact investigation completion for each case and suspect. Participate in program reviews of local health departments, contractors, and Department of State Health Services field offices to ensure all TB patients, suspects, contacts, and positive reactors receive quality TB nursing care and case management. Present cases under management to the PHR 8 case review team. Provide technical assistance to private physicians, local health departments, regional field staff, correctional facilities, and the general public regarding TB. Work is performed within the guidelines of the TB standing delegation orders (SDOs) with demonstrated nursing competencies in the assessment, evaluation, and management of TB suspects, cases, and contacts. Conduct public awareness activities, training, and continuing education. Assist with other communicable disease activities in PHR 8. Works evenings, holidays, and weekends as requested. Must be able to independently drive and travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.Essential Job Functions25% TB Nursing Services and Case Management: Provide specialized nursing services for patients diagnosed with TB or those suspected of having TB. Ensure TB patients, suspects, contacts, and positive reactors are appropriately managed and educated on tuberculosis transmission, infection, disease, and treatment within three (3) days of initial report. This includes: drawing labs; providing directly observed therapy (DOT); collecting sputum specimens; performing monthly toxicity screenings, documenting appropriately in patientand#146;s charts, carrying out data entry, following through on lead TB Nurse Consultant and Medical Director instruction, educating clients and family and performing other patient management tasks as needed. Provides assistance to TB program staff in managing patients diagnosed with TB, suspected TB, LTBI, or contacts/patients referred through EDN system. Call and visit patients to help determine compliance with treatment. Collect lab specimens for analysis. Recognize the side-effects and interactions of TB drugs and request medical consultation to deal with such as needed. Prepare and maintain patient charts according to established standards. Ensures all medical case management forms are complete and appropriately placed in medical charts. Present patients under case management for the PHR 8 case review process. Provide education to patients and contacts of patients with TB on the transmission of TB, exposure risk, rationale for testing, meaning of test results, and, if positive for TB infection, actively encourages treatment regimens. Consult with local health departments and other clinical contractors regarding TB services and case management. Stays up to date on required tuberculosis re https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=605962 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.