Registered Nurse - Immunization

STG International is currently accepting resumes of Registered Nurse - Immunization candidates to work full-time providing medical care to detainees in custody in support of ICE Health Service Corps at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Medical Facility.

The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff and contractors comprise the healthcare professionals working together to provide quality healthcare services. IHSC serves as the medical experts for ICE for detainee health care.

MISSION
IHSC’s mission is to provide medical care to maintain the health of individuals in the custody of ICE through an integrated health care delivery system, based on nationally recognized correctional, detention and residential health care standards. The Agency is committed to providing healthcare services to protect the nation’s health, reduce global disease and provide medical support for the law enforcement mission of the safe apprehension, enforcement and removal of detained individuals involved in immigration proceedings. IHSC is committed to ensuring a system of care that is ethical, responsible, and accountable through rigorous surveillance and monitoring activities. 

ATTRIBUTES AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES
1. Strong oral and written communication skills.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills.
3. Critical thinking skills
4. Cultural competency.
5. Integrity and honesty.
6. Verbal and written proficiency in Spanish (preferred, not required).
7. Experience in a detention/correctional or residential healthcare setting (preferred, not
required).

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Degree issuing institution and or program must be accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
1. Graduate from a associate's or baccalaureate nursing program for Registered Nurses located in a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory accredited by The Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. Two years of nursing experience, preferably in a physician’s office or hospital or similar setting conducting immunization clinics.
3. Knowledge of current vaccine preventable diseases, immunization guidelines, vaccination schedules for all ages, state, federal and international requirements.
4. Medication, administration guidelines, and pharmaceutical agents and their desired and adverse effects in order to recognize untoward effects and take appropriate corrective measures.

REQURED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION
1. Current, full and unrestricted licensed as Registered Nurse in the state in which the duty station is located. Any changes to license must be reported to employer immediately.
2. This position does not require privileging by IHSC.
3. Maintains BLS for Healthcare Providers® certification through the American Heart Association®.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures.
2. Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.
3. Ability to utilize telephonic interpreter/translation services to complete assigned duties if not fluent in a language the patient understands.
4. Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
5. Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) in order to develop positive rapport with patients, co-workers and other stakeholders.
6. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
7. Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web based training and communications.
8. Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
9. Knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient medical records and information as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides direct care to patients within discipline Scope of Practice and performs functions in accordance with current accepted practice, licensure, certification, credentialing and or granted privileges.
2. Provides treatment of persons throughout the life span as appropriate to discipline and facility setting.
3. May be expected to respond to and or coordinate response to medical emergencies.
4. Assesses and evaluates the immunization status and needs of residents through the knowledge of current vaccine preventable disease, immunization guidelines, vaccination schedules, state, federal, and international requirements, and client medical history. Interprets international immunization records.
5. Educates residents about the importance of immunization, following recommended immunization schedules, possible side effects of immunizations, and aftercare.
6. Prepares vaccines according to manufacturer’s instructions and administers them using safe and proper techniques and a system of double checks to ensure accuracy.
7. Administers and evaluates tuberculosis skin tests and refers clients as needed per protocol.
8. Completes appropriate vaccination and resident health records to ensure correct vaccines are administered and documented.
9. Monitors the immunization status and requirements of residents diagnosed with HIV, Hepatitis B and C in accordance with the State and County Health Department guidelines and best clinical practice.
10. Reports cases of suspected abuse or neglect of children and adults to the proper authorities in accordance with department policy and state law.
11. Provides travel consultation by assessing routine, required, and recommended immunizations for international travel.
12. Develops and implements individualized care plans for client education, prophylaxis, and referrals as needed.
13. Serves as a resource for medical personnel regarding the administration and assessment of required immunizations using current state and federal (CDC) standards.
14. Provides immunization expertise via training in Vaccination Clinic activities to newly hired nurses and staff.
15. Serves as liaison with local county health departments to assess new immunization needs and to administer required immunizations, tuberculosis tests and blood work.
16. Makes specific individual nursing judgment using immunization guidelines and Center for Disease Control resources.
17. Must conduct annual inspection of clinic to ensure compliance with guidelines for vaccine storage and handling procedures, screening and documentation methods, and to ensure that providers have the most current immunization resource materials available.
18. May maintain and audit Material Data Safety Sheets (MDSS).
19. Based on facility needs, may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in this position description.
20. Must appropriately document patient/encounters electronically according to current standards of care using electronic health records.
21. Provides supervision of Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses, as assigned.
22. Evaluates health care needs of residents and develops nursing care plans to meet those needs.
23. Provides assessment and treatment of patients during sick call utilizing the IHSC RN Guidelines and refers to mid-level provider and/or physician as appropriate.
24. Provides screening of patients during intake per IHSC established policies and procedures.
25. Obtains medical histories and appropriately refers abnormal findings or responses or stated medical problems to the physician and/ or mid-level provider.
26. Draws labs as requested and collects laboratory specimens.
27. Destroys and properly disposes of all sharps to include but not limited to needles and syringes according to hazardous waste, infection control and safety guidance.
28. Assists in the disposal of biologically hazardous wastes on a regular basis as needed.
29. Administers medications, immunizations, education or other needed treatments as ordered/recommended.
30. Adheres to professional nursing principals, procedures and techniques for appropriate patient care and take direction from onsite administrative personnel.
31. Adheres to medication administration guidelines, understand pharmaceutical agents and their desired effects recognize adverse effects and take appropriate corrective measures as needed.
32. Maintains safety when dispensing medications and is continually cognizant of the potential hazards of drug hoarding and trafficking among residents.
33. Provide patient health education as appropriate.
34. Coordinates health care needs of patients with multidisciplinary team members and coordinates referrals to off-site providers as required.
35. Participates as member of multidisciplinary team to ensure that equipment, supplies and logs are available, correct and updated. Ensures all equipment is functional and appropriately maintained according to manufacturer’s requirements.
36. Provides radiological services in accordance with scope of practice for practice state and IHSC Policies and Procedures. These services will be primarily to conduct tuberculosis surveillance i.e. digital single view chest x-rays.
37. May serve as clinic coordinator to ensure effective and efficient clinical operations.
38. May participate in peer reviews, Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities, Infection Control activities, investigations or other clinically significant activities onsite.
39. Performs record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and position.
40. Maintains functional proficiency and ease of use utilizing electronic health records as required by, and appropriate to, position.
41. Completes and passes all discipline specific competencies testing, initially and annually.
42. Completes all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required/assigned.
43. Maintains patient confidentiality, and confidentiality of medical records, in compliance with the Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations in all work activities.
44. Adheres to, and maintains awareness of, IHSC Policies, Procedures, Directives, Operational Memoranda and accreditation standards as prescribed by ICE/IHSC.
45. Adheres to, and participates in, IHSC’s Safety, Prevention, Infection and Control, Quality Improvement, Patient Education and other programs and collateral duties as appropriate to position.
46. Attends and participates in general/medical staff meetings.
47. Other duties as assigned.

DUTY HOURS / ON-CALL REQUIREMENTS
IHSC operates 365/24/7 you may be required to respond telephonically during emergency call back roster activation.
1. This full time position requires availability to work day, evening and night shifts. Availability during weekends and holidays is also required.
2. On-call availability is not required for this position.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
1. The Department of Homeland Security’s Personnel Security Unit (PSU) must render an Initial Preliminary Favorable Fitness Determination to be considered a qualified candidate.
2. A Complete Favorable Fitness Determination must be rendered by PSU upon completion of initial, and between, subsequent background investigations to meet the requirements of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 10 minutes and maintain balance.
2. Required to respond to any medical emergency within 4 minutes, where a fast walk or jog may be necessary to provide assistance.
3. Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
4. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building during an emergency (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
5. Must be able to see, hear and smell with or without the use of aides if necessary (exceptions on a case by case basis).
6. Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing.
7. Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
8. Must perform the duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
9. Must be capable of standing on hard services (cement floors) for long periods of time.