Primary Purpose:
The nurse initiator will deliver a specialized RR-TB/HIV intervention developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing to coordinate the care of RR-TB patients with and without HIV on a sessional basis.
The nurse-initiator will provide clinical services as needed to patients from diagnosis to initiation of treatment until 6 months after the end of RR-TB treatment. The nurse will travel between clinics, and at times, between provinces delivering care at a local PHC or CHC clinic.
The positions will be based in one of the following hospitals, subject to approval:
- Eastern Cape: Jose Pearson (PE)
General Duties and Responsibilities:
As a sessional clinical nurse practitioner, this role will include coordination, initiation, and management of medical care for patients diagnosed with RR-TB and HIV co-infection. The time of the session can range from as little as one day to multiple more depending on the need of clinical coverage.
Nurse Initiator / Practitioner Duties:
- Diagnose, treat and manage RR-TB and HIV patients including the clear written documentation of such care in the medical record.
- Independently conduct physical examinations, interpret laboratory reports for abnormalities, and develop and implement an appropriate, guideline-based treatment plan based on your differential diagnosis.
- Implement outpatient treatment plans when clinically warranted; refer for hospitalization as needed with accurate documentation of rationale.
- Closely manage, in collaboration with hospital and primary care clinic staff, your medication supply to avoid drug stock-outs.
- Manage all treatment-related adverse events and side effects per national guidelines to ensure safe, well-tolerated treatment. Report all adverse events per study protocol.
- Assess, facilitate, and implement what is needed for all appointments and diagnostic tests e.g., audiology, nutrition, HIV counseling and testing.
- Respond to calls from patients and use nursing judgment to assess acuity and provide appropriate next steps for care.
- Counsel, support, educate, and coordinate resources needed by patients and their family members during MDR-TB treatment.
- Conduct educational training sessions with patients to review basic MDR-TB knowledge, medication adherence, and other MDR-TB and HIV/AIDS related issues as needed.
- Oversee case management activities and adherence support team activities, including instructing them on how to provide support to your clients.
- Obtain nursing coverage and/or support for patient issues and follow-up during all holidays, time off, and sick days or be available during this time via mobile phone for patient contact.
- Assist with appointment scheduling and re-scheduling of missed appointments and tests.
- Perform telephone triage for patients with acute issues.
- Coordinate and manage care for patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Provide resources, guidance, and assistance to primary care health care providers to ultimately improve MDR-TB service delivery.
- Attend all required trainings to ensure your clinical skills remain up to date.
Minimum Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Diploma or degree in general nursing with a diploma in community-health nursing.
- Dispensing license.
- NIMART Training required, preferred primary healthcare certification.
- Strong clinical skills and interest in TB, RR-TB and HIV/AIDS with at least 5 years of clinical experience.
- Knowledge of current RR-TB and HIV/AIDS treatment guidelines of South Africa.
- Demonstrate high degree of self-motivation and initiative, with a facility for and adaptability to handling pressured situations.
- E-mail proficiency is an absolute requirement.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and either Zulu (KZN), Xhosa (Eastern Cape), or Afrikaans.
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and strong internet-based skills including methods of online communication (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp).
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Current registration with South African Nursing Council and indemnity cover.
- Current SA Driver’s License.
Direct Supervisor: Ntombasekhaya Mlandu, Clinical Manager
JHU Research Manager: Kelly Lowensen (RN, MSN, ACRN), Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Johns Hopkins PI: Jason E. Farley (PhD, MPH, ANP-BC), Principal Investigator & Professor, Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
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