4C04
STD NURSE SPECIALIST

This is specialized nursing work in the care and treatment of patients with sexually transmitted diseases. Employees in this class conduct physical examinations, determine medical and personal histories of patients, and provide treatment and management of identified sexually transmitted disease problems at the City's district health centers. Work includes utilizing medical standing orders or program protocols under the direction of a physician. Counseling patients in proper hygiene to insure optimal prognoses for recovery is significant to the work.

Work is performed under the general supervision of a nurse supervisor and the technical supervision of a physician.

• This position must perform nursing work in the care and treatment of patients with sexually-transmitted diseases.
• This position performs duties in accordance with standing medical orders and program protocols.
• This position must be located in the Health Department.

• Interviews patients to obtain general, sexual and health history, including primary complaint, history of present illness, review of medications used, social history as to activities with sexual partners, and past or pertinent illnesses including allergies and nutrition status; performs appropriate physical examinations; identifies deviations from norms in the physical condition of the patient.
• Orders appropriate lab tests and collects specimens including venipunctures, cervical cytology, and gonorrhea cultures in conjunction with medical standing orders or clinic protocols; consults with the physician as indicated.
• Takes medical histories; identifies need to treat asymptomatic contact with STD cases; administers appropriate treatment under medical standing orders and program protocols.
• Counsels patients and contacts in regard to risk reduction to STDs including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); provides one-to-one educational services for the patient regarding diagnosis and treatment.
• Evaluates patients on follow-up visits to determine adequacy of treatments and presence of adverse reactions to medications; refers patients when indicated to medical, nursing, or community resources; orients and instructs other nursing staff in program protocols and clinic procedures.
• Maintains necessary records and reports of service.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, practices and techniques of nursing and their application to patient care
• health principles, practices and techniques with respect to clinical and related services
• symptoms, diagnoses and treatment in the area of sexually transmitted diseases
• the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system.
• current trends, practices, and development of STDs
ABILITY TO:
• perform pelvic examinations and general physical examinations
• evaluate health histories and results of examinations, and identify medical deviations from the norm
• instruct and counsel patients, particularly in the area of sexually transmitted diseases and general health maintenance
• maintain complete records of patient services
• follow oral and written instructions
• orient and instruct nursing staff in program protocols and clinic procedures
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, physicians and associates

EDUCATION
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
AND
EXPERIENCE
• Completion of a comprehensive training program for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases mandated by the Center for Disease Control.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• One year of nursing experience which has included experience in the area of sexually transmitted diseases.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Eligibility for a license as a registered nurse, as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Education and Licensure, at the time of application, and possession of such licensure as specified within the length of time by the Department.