COVID-19 Registered Nurse (Contact Tracing)

Following the Province of BC’s August 11, 2020 announcement, PHSA is actively seeking Registered Nurses (RNs) to increase contact tracing across the province. Ideal for recently retired nurses with British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) registration and Nurse Practitioners, this is a unique opportunity to help keep our communities safe as BC prepares for a potential COVID-19 surge this fall. These temporary positions – available full or part-time – will work as part of the BC Centre for Disease Control’s rapid response pool, and will commence in September 2020 until March 31, 2021, with possibility of extension.

Our COVID-19 RNs will provide assessment services for individuals presenting with or at risk for COVID-19. This includes testing, surveillance, sample collection, communicating test results, administering immunizations, and supporting investigations by monitoring active cases and laboratory reports. Specifically, the RNs will focus on contact tracing and providing support and guidance to reduce transmission and spread of the pandemic.
 

This position may be required to travel and/or work at multiple sites in support of the regional health authorities’ COVID-19 response. Join our team of #healthcareheroes in the fight against COVID-19!

What you’ll do

• Provide nursing services in person or via telephone to individuals presenting with – or at risk for – COVID-19 including taking history, assessing risk, and gathering data appropriate to clinical diagnosis.

• Communicate test results to COVID-19 infected clients, providing instructions, supportive counselling and information about the disease and treatment.

• Interview COVID-19 infected clients to collect all available information regarding contact. Investigate when information is limited to find named contacts.

• Confidentially inform named contacts regarding potential exposure to positive COVID-19 results, and recommend actions.

• Obtain symptom information, refer for testing, and provide instructions for quarantine. Document required testing, treatment and guidance to reduce spread.

• Communicate test results to non-infected individuals and reinforce appropriate infection control practices to prevent potential transmission.

• Assist with major communicable disease outbreak investigations: monitor active cases and laboratory results for new cases, conduct testing and surveillance follow-ups, administer immunizations, and provide information about process and prevention measures to physicians

and the community as a whole.

• Collaborate with team members to develop educational resources on infection control practices. Guide and mentor other nurses, allied healthcare staff, and students.

• Maintain individual records and necessary documentation according to policies, procedures, and the Standards of Practice set out by the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).

• Participate in program planning and research analysis including quality initiatives, safety procedures, and accreditation.
 

What you bring

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).

• Broad knowledge of communicable disease control and community development procedures and practices including prevention, health promotion, and reporting responsibilities.

• Working knowledge of immunization protocols, and ability to successfully complete Provincial Immunization Certification. Adept assessment skills to work sensitively and tactfully with clients including diverse and marginalized populations.