Professional Nurse Counsellor

TB HIV Care; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization providing health care services seeks a Professional Nurse in Pietermaritzburg to deliver comprehensive care to People Who Inject Drugs. This role involves diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases as well as providing preventative care. Candidates should possess a Diploma in Nursing, community nursing experience, and be registered with the South African Nursing Council. Proficiency in English and isiZulu is essential, as is a willingness to travel when required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' community nursing experience.
• Registered with the South African Nursing Council.
• Valid code 8 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive health care to People Who Inject Drugs.
• Consult and manage HIV positive clients.
• Document referrals and communicate effectively.

Skills

Community nursing experience

Proficiency in English and isiZulu

Computer literacy

Client management skills

Ability to work with key populations

Education

Diploma/degree in Nursing (NQF Level 7)

Grade 12

Completed NIMART Certification course

Tools

MW Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Advert Summary

TB HIV Care (THC), in existence since 1929, is an internationally recognised non-profit organisation. We provide health care services throughout South Africa to both the general population and communities at increased risk for HIV and TB, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers and people who use drugs. THC provides a stimulating work environment and the opportunity to work with leaders in the field of HIV and TB prevention and care. Our work culture is adapted to the constantly evolving South African health care environment and will suit solution-driven team players interested in opportunities for career development while working to connect people with care

Purpose of the position:

The Professional Nurse (PN) is responsible for comprehensive, integrated cascade of care, inclusive of diagnosing, treating, monitoring and evaluating communicable and infectious diseases. The PN will consult and provide preventative, curative and rehabilitative treatment/health care to People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) on various clinical aspects (Adult Curative care inclusive of communicable, non-communicable diseases). This will enable early detection and management of illnesses and/or prevention thereof. In addition, the nurse should be able manage clients on Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT). The PN will further provide advice and information on health issues and associated treatment regimens to ensure effective PHC for PWID. The nurse needs to meticulously monitor and document adverse drug reactions relating to any treatment provided.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Grade 12
• Diploma/degree in Nursing (NQF Level 7)
• Dispensing license preferable, or a willingness to study towards this
• Completed NIMART Certification course (must include completion of POE component)

Work Experience

• A minimum of 2 years’ community nursing experience
• A minimum of 1 year's experience working with Key Populations
• Experience with NiMART, ART Clubs, Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH), previous experience in key populations/PWID

Other Requirements:

• Registration with the South African Nursing Council as a professional nurse
• Computer literate in MW Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in English and isiZulu languages
• Valid code 8 driver’s licence
• Willingness to travel as and when required

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicating and determining the status of the client and or referring to historical records to evaluate and establish treatment/medication required
• Analysing symptoms and conducting specific examinations and/or conducting tests and physical assessments
• Interpreting and/or seeking clarity from Clinical Supervisor on specific test results and providing client with an explanation on treatment sequence according to Protocol, Policy and Guidelines
• Making a nursing diagnosis according to policy, protocol and Guidelines
• Prescribing/administering the necessary medication/drugs in required dosages to control infection in line with Policy guidelines.
• Implementing and integrating policy and programmes relating to PHC – PWID Health, SRH, HTS, TB Screening, PACK/Pulsa Plus/PC101.
• Documenting Referrals and communicating of referrals to Clinical Supervisor
• Consulting and managing HIV positive clients with opportunistic infections according to policy, protocol and guidelines – referring appropriately.
• Attending to Trauma and medical emergencies according to Protocol, Policies and Guidelines.
• Managing follow up care of referrals.
• Initiating, managing and prescribing clients diagnosed with HIV for ART according to Protocol, Policy and Guidelines. * Only applicable to Organisations who operate in medical settings with access to Pharmaceuticals and NIMART trained staff.
• Attending to Follow up ART and PrEP clients.
• Attending to referrals from peer educators, site coordinators, social auxiliary worker and programme manager.
• Supporting the formation on adherence and biomedical support groups for PWID.
• Maintaining accurate reports and records of procedures performed.
• Keeping accurate, up-to-date records of medical supplies, equipment and drugs in own area of operation
• Updating Clinical records and registers: Referral, Linkage, ART, HTS
• Providing statistics on portfolios delegated.
• Managing Drug supply and HIV RDTs in line with GPP (Good Pharmacy Practice)
• Monitoring HTS data and ensuring targets are met
• Monitoring referrals and ensuring successful referrals are validated
• Participating in meetings: networking and stakeholder engagement
• Keeping abreast with new clinical developments e.g. training, in-service training, reading journals, policies, and procedures related to job
• Assisting with setting of goals, objectives and interventions for quality service delivery
• Ensuring all medical equipment is in working order
• Adhering to health and safety and infection control policies and procedures
• Implementing and maintaining quality assurance programmes:
• Assisting with assessments
• Implementing rapid test continuous quality improvement: Independent quality control and proficiency testing for HIV RDTs
• Demonstrating and explaining procedures related to testing and treatment, medical waste disposal, drugs/medication dosages
• Monitoring execution implementing corrective measures to rectify deviations and mitigate risk
• Checking and reinforcing first aid skills and understanding emergency procedures and linkages to care
• Providing guidelines on responses to “Frequently Asked Questions” on PHC issues
• Assisting with referral pathways – building networks
• Communicating and making available information and advice on preventative and primitive approaches to health care e.g. HIV/TB/SRH, particularly in the context of the programme
• Providing health education on Family Planning, healthy lifestyles and social responsibility
• Demonstrating treatment techniques for specific diseases to PWID
• Participating in programme activities as agreed
• Playing a role with the community and site you work in in providing health services to PWID
• Supporting DOH with events and campaigns
• Attend meetings, briefings, debriefing, staff meetings and other as directed to do so on a regular basis
• Additional responsibilities delegated by managers from time to time
• Represent the organisation with pride and ensure you adhere to the ethos and principles
• Be a role model to strengthen positive behaviour change of PWID and the programme team