Community Health Nurse, Adult Shelters

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and an intermediary agent, managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

Summary :

The community health nurse coordinates services in shelters for homeless adults and families (rotates between 2-3 assigned shelter locations). The community health nurse will provide triage of acute health problems, coordinate medical care provided by community healthcare providers, and function as a team member with the extended HCH shelter outreach team. All services are provided in collaboration with on-site shelter management staff, the nursing supervisor, and community providers serving the shelter population. The nurse reports to the Supervisor of Shelter Services.

Age/Patient Populations Served

Age of Patient Population Served

Pediatric (birth - 19 yrs)

Adult (19 - 64 yrs)

Geriatric (65 yrs & older)

Nonage Specific Task (N/A)

Population

Bariatric Patients: BMI greater than 40, or greater than 35 with weight-related comorbidities

Patient with exceptional communication needs

Patient with developmental delays

Patient at the end of life

Patient under isolation precautions

All Populations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical

• Provide triage, referring clients to emergency departments, Health Connections, or other health care providers, as appropriate.
• Provide client-centered health services that incorporate self-management plans.
• Provide age-appropriate immunizations according to the most recent CDC immunization schedule, utilizing standing orders.
• Provide family planning / HIV services, including testing and counseling according to the most recent Family Planning Council guidelines within the scope of RN practice.
• Provide/coordinate chronic disease management; educate the client re: self- care and medication management.
• Provide nursing case management, tracking referrals, labs, and follow-up.
• Document all services promptly.
• Submit paperwork weekly; reports biweekly.
• Observe HIPAA requirements and provide patient privacy within the limitations of the site.
• Organize group education programs, as appropriate, for the target population.
• Train shelter staff (as needed) on universal precautions, communicable disease prevention and management, medication management, and other health issues.
• Additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Coordination

• Collaborate with shelter case managers to facilitate services to residents
• Advocate for consumers, as appropriate.
• Notify immediate supervisor of any significant problems, including client care, staffing, changes/issues at sites, and system problems.
• Connect clients to primary care, behavioral health, family violence, or other social services as needed.
• Oversee tracking of follow-up, HIPAA compliance, medication safety, and other risk management activities at clinical sites.
• Oversee lab services, medical waste pick-up, manage shelter supplies, and other shelter-based services.
• Develop collaborative relationships with shelter providers and community health care providers. Coordinate referral for services to on-site and community providers.
• Meet with the Director of Shelter Services (in-person or teleconference) weekly to discuss the progress of residents on-site.
• Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified.

Environment of care

• Check the emergency box monthly, and maintain a log. Restock as needed.
• Check the fire extinguisher monthly. Maintain log. Report problems to the supervisor.
• Submit the environment of care report monthly for each site. Discuss any deficiencies with the Director of Shelter Services.
• Maintain medical equipment and logs. Report problems to the supervisor.
• Manage proper biohazard waste disposal. Report biohazard waste management issues to the supervisor.
• Manage lab specimen collection, proper patient identification on specimens, and complete appropriate lab slips. Organize lab service pick-up as needed.
• Manage shelter supplies by online ordering and Family Planning supplies through the Family Planning Coordinator.
• Order VFARR vaccines according to Philadelphia Department of Health Immunization Program guidelines. Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures, maintain logs.

Infection Control

• Observe ambulatory care guidelines for infection control (hand washing, care of environment, use of safety syringes and sharps containers, use of personal protective equipment).
• Notify the Infection Control Coordinator immediately of suspected or confirmed cases of communicable disease.
• Manage or participate, as needed, in shelter-based communicable disease outbreaks, emergency preparedness/disaster response, and other health initiatives.
• Participate in emergency preparedness educational activities; become a member of the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps.
• Assume new responsibilities as new needs are identified.

Skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in primary care, community health, and/or behavioral health preferred

Experience:

• 3 years in nursing required.

Education

• Associates in Nursing required.
• BSN or MSN preferred.

Licenses and certifications:

• Pennsylvania RN licensure required.

Travel:

• Visits St. Johns, Broad Street Mission, various other sites

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.