Jan 11, 2016
The Community Outreach Nurse works in both structured and unstructured environments with vulnerable/marginalized clients and communities, who are at high risk for overdose and communicable diseases. This position maintains a focus on overdose prevention, response and recognition, naloxone, STI’s, Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV in an effort to prevent and control overdoses and communicable infections and diseases, and to assess, treat and refer for related and other health conditions. Working in outreach settings, clinical services are provided through education, supportive counselling, screening, evaluation, treatment, follow-up and referral. The Community Outreach Nurse participates in new and ongoing project initiatives and the development and delivery of education and program planning. This part-time position (14 hours/week; Monday and Tuesday 8:30am – 4:30pm) requires a compassionate, non-judgmental professional who is able to think outside of the box and is willing to go the extra mile. This program includes overdose prevention, recognition and response training including take home naloxone as well as prescribing and distributing the Take Home Naloxone kits, throughout Southwestern Alberta with a special focus on people with a history of opioid drug use, service providers and people who care about people who use opioids. The Community Outreach Nurse will assist opioid users, partner agencies and the general public to improve their capacity to respond to and prevent opioid overdoses. This position will also conduct screening, diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic services to outreach clients by collaborating with other community based agency’s to reach populations at high risk for overdose and acquisition of communicable diseases (included are street involved persons, sex workers, substance users, street youth, etc); interviewing clients and making clinical assessment; carrying out physical examinations; screening and testing including taking specimens; administering appropriate treatment, consulting with physicians and other health professionals; locating resources for clients and arranging follow-up; phlebotomy, provides basic first aid which includes CPR; provides harm reduction teaching and supplies including condoms and needles; administers medications as ordered by the Nurse Practitioner. Provides clinical and supportive counselling services to persons in outreach locations including agencies, correctional settings, detox settings, street clinics, drop-ins, hotels, parks and the street; providing pre and post-test counselling for STI’s and BBP’s, providing test results, and ongoing support and referral...
