Nurse Clinician, Communicable Disease Program - (213320.1)

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

Reporting to the Communicable Disease (CD) Manager or designate, the Nurse Clinician provides viral hepatitis nursing care expertise and effectively navigates prevention, treatment, and care management services. The position uses the nursing process and the theory of change model to assess needs and strengths of individuals and communities to plan, develop, and evaluate blood borne pathogen relevant service programs. The position acts as a resource for the development and provision of health education and health promotion services to individuals, target groups, and the public related to blood borne pathogens and associated lifestyle concerns, as well as providing education and consultation resources for health and social service professionals related to blood borne pathogen care and its nursing management. The position provides treatment updates and clinical consultation services to physicians and supervises clerical staff.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training And Experience

Graduation from a recognized nursing program. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant. A minimum of five years recent related experience, including two years in chronic disease management in a leadership role, and two years in community and/or public health nursing, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A thorough understanding of harm reduction principles and the ability to apply these principles in a practice setting. Experience providing education and developing teaching materials.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team setting.
• Knowledge of blood borne pathogens and liver diseases.
• Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with many types of clients living with viral hepatitis/HIV and their families, co-workers, and persons across all levels of VIHA.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of cirrhosis and other liver diseases.
• Ability to set priorities and organize work.
• Demonstrated knowledge in teaching a variety of people, particularly those considered difficult to reach (i.e., street people, intravenous drug users, those with mental illness).
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Physically able to perform the duties of the job.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Travel is a requirement of the position. Travel arrangements must meet the requirements of the Health Authority.