Registered Nurse

The Nurse is responsible for projecting and integrating the Mission and Core Values of the organization as well as implementation of efficient and timely patient management.

The Nurse is responsible for projecting and integrating the Mission and Core Values of the organization as well as implementation of efficient and timely patient management.

 SUMMARY

Supports the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STI’s and is responsible for the triage area and nurse-station by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING.  OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED.

• Ensures timely patient care and efficient and smooth patient flow in the clinic.
• Assists and communicates with medical staff concerning patient care conditions.
• Makes triage decisions using an established protocol.
• Ensures that plans of care are in place and are regularly updated, changes are implemented and that patient records and documentation are maintained and current.
• Participates in the case management of individual patients to ensure the continuum of care.
• Conducts nursing care in a manner reflective of the philosophy of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
• Educates patient on disease process, safe sex education and medications.
• Complies with safety and infection control standards, sterilization of medical equipment and biohazards waste management.
• Promotes teamwork, good interpersonal relations and communication among staff at the healthcare setting.
• Participates in nursing staff orientation and serves as a clinical resource.
• Provides support to clinical team in dealing with the complex needs of different patients and when reporting or receiving sensitive, complex or contentious information.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as necessary (i.e., assisting other staff at times of critical need, attendance at all assigned committees).
• Conveys complex and sensitive information in a comprehensible and empathic manner.
• Exercises appropriate judgment and good decision-making skills.
• Functions as the liaison with other health and social care professionals to ensure that the coordination, the approach and high quality of care is provided for patients.
• Ensures up to date knowledge of local and national STI and HIV/AIDS treatment guidelines and work accordingly.
• Ensures an enabling working environment free of stigma and discrimination.
• Ensures registration of all patients accessing care at the facility and ensures the development and maintenance of all patient related medical records.
• Ensures the efficient maintenance of the registration and patient waiting areas including the availability of education materials and other supplies required to ensure that the patient is as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
• Administers medications as ordered.
• Reports emergencies to Physician.
• Records all data using appropriate medical record databases.
• Performs and accurately records basic tests including checking vital signs, weight and height; testing urine; glucose and other basic rapid tests.
• Manages patient appointment system.
• Assists with the inventory management of all items required for patient care and report to the Operations Manager any defective equipment or low stock.
• Assist with patient retention in care through missed appointment logs and strict appointment follow ups.
• Prepares all relevant reports as required.
• Participate in outreach and advocacy events outside of working hours.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with special assignments as instructed by the Caribbean Regional Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The incumbent must be in good standing with current knowledge of STI/AIDS/HIV infections and STI/AIDS/HIV treatment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Registered with the Nursing Council of Jamaica and possess current certificate of registration.
• Strong clinical nursing skills and judgement.
• Training and skills to performing phlebotomy, HIV/Syphilis Rapid Tests.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related medical and patient care issues.
• Knowledge of ARVs and STI drug therapies.
• Knowledge on key population specificities and vulnerabilities.

• Respect for patient’s confidentiality and having a compassionate approach to their needs is required.

COMPUTER/SOFTWARE SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer and Internet skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and any knowledge of digital medical database is an added advantage.

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Possess an amicable personality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the community.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply critical thinking and nursing skill.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and/or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PARTICIPATION IN AHF GLOBAL MEETINGS & COMMITTEES

Upon request by Caribbean Regional Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises support and volunteer staff at the medical centre, including receptionists with regards to patient’s follow ups.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Clients and families
• Physicians
• Other section managers
• Ancillary and Support Services

PROBLEMS & KEY FEATURES

• Unpredictable census and acuity
•  Staff shortages
•  Unforeseen events
•  Difficult interactions with staff and clients

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (E=essential, D=Desirable)