Job Information
Fenway Health Public Health/MAT Nurse (RN) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Public Health/MAT Nurse (RN)
Cambridge, MA (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=359+Green+St+Cambridge+MA+USA+02139) • Prevention
Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Public Health/MAT Nurse (RN) provides nursing services to two key areas at Fenway Health: patients enrolled in Fenway Health’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program, and clinical public health prevention programs, primarily Access: Drug User Health’s low barrier walk-in medical clinic. The RN will use a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach to provide specialized nursing support to people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals and their partners. The Access/MAT RN will also provide administrative support for other clinical activities such as patient walk-in triage, health navigation, risk reduction counseling, supply inventory, and serve as a resource for program staff.
Representative Duties:
Provides Patient Triage: the safe, effective, and appropriate disposition of health-related problems
Provide patients with accessible care that operates within the harm reduction framework
Administers comprehensive evaluation of patient telephone callers and walk-in patients, develops care plan, consults with other disciplines as needed, and implements plan including referrals
Advocates for patient care as nurse member of multidisciplinary medical team
Care plan is communicated to patients in a timely manner
Documents triage encounters in medical record, documenting all appropriate activities and plan
Complies with the MDPH BSAS Office Based Opioid Treatment Program Policies and Protocols
Health Navigation
Delivers personalized services to our patients to improve their care using careful assessment, planning, coordination and delivery of care, and outcome evaluation of the plan
Coordinates follow up care for acutely ill patients including primary care and specialty visits including HCV treatment, substance use services, PrEP, nPEP, and behavioral health.
Coordinates preventative services for defined population including education, vaccinations, monitoring and arranging for lab tests and referrals
Evaluates adherence to care plan to promote patient’s well-being
Documents services in medical record, documenting all appropriate activities and plan
Communicates with pharmacies and insurance companies as needed to ensure patients can access their treatment, and helps troubleshoot issues or problems related to MAT-specific medications
Provides direct patient care, using nursing procedures as appropriate for a Registered Nurse
Provides episodic care as appropriate to the target populations with an emphasis on wound care, HIV and HCV prevention, and behavioral issues (i.e. medication compliance, safe sex) and provide follow-up as indicated.
Performs MAT assessment and intake, and obtains medical, mental health, and social history
Guides patients through medication inductions, including assessment of signs/symptoms of opioid withdrawal using the COW (Clinical Opioid Withdrawal) scale
Provides follow-up care via MAT nursing visits, either onsite or remotely as indicated, and serves as primary point of contact for patients throughout treatment
Assists with patient care under the direction of appropriate medical provider and/or under nursing scope of practice
Administers medications and vaccinations, (PO, IM, SC, ID), including extended-release injections for SUD treatment (Vivitrol, Sublocade), ensuring full compliance with DEA regulations of storing and administering controlled substances in clinic
Checks supplies for nursing patient encounters and notifies manager or supply ordering designee if additional stock needed
Administers all medical tests and procedures as per protocol
Assists with preventative medicine efforts (e.g.: flu, STD, vital sign checks, occupational health)
Clearly communicates interventions to patients
Communicates changes to plan of care
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of medical issues
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of medical developments in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS and HCV infection, pain management, health issues related to homelessness and injection drug use, as well as and behavioral issues (i.e. medication compliance, safe sex, social and behavioral effects of drug use) as well as other medical conditions appropriate.
Learn and maintain knowledge regarding harm reduction, and cultural competency regarding drug use.
Seeks out continuing education opportunities related to essential job functions
Completes continuing education requirements per the Massachusetts Board of Nursing regulations
Obtains ACRN or other certifications related to essential job functions within 2 years of hire
Understands and maintains universal precautions in all clinical activities
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of SUD management, including attendance and completion of OBAT ECHO 12-part series
Provides Health Education
Provides community health education
Provides patient education related to their medical and psychosocial needs
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of vaccines, medications, and other therapeutic interventions as appropriate to our outpatient clinic
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of FH policies, procedures and services including those of TFI
Maintains knowledge of community resources
Assists in training other employees in the public health and medical department including orientation of new staff, volunteers, and students
Trains patients, families and others on administration of Narcan/naloxone
Performs other related duties which may include:
Conduct community and Street outreach
Provide coverage across other public health sites in Cambridge and Boston
Requirements
ASN/BSN/MSN and current licensure as Registered Nurse (RN) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Familiarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS (e.g., ANAC certification), and People Who Use Drugs (PWUD)
Commitment to community and public health
Current CPR Certification
BLS certification required
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.
Willingness to contribute towards Fenway’s efforts in becoming an anti-racist organization and promoting a culture dedicated to ongoing development in service of humility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, where differences are acknowledged and valued.
Preferred qualifications:
2 or more years’ experience in an ambulatory care setting preferred, specifically working with people who use or inject drugs
Completion of Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN) certification requirements, or commitment to achieve this certification within first year
Experience with Epic strongly preferred
Proficiency in Spanish a plus
We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.LGBTQIA+ identified persons, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary Description
$36.67-45.85 per hour ($71,500 - $89,400 per year)