Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The STI Nurse, using specialized nursing skills, expert communication and interpersonal skills, provides assessment, case management, treatment and counseling of clients presenting with risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, Hepatitis, and/or related diseases, and any necessary contact tracing. The incumbent participates in the training of other healthcare providers in the specialty of STI and Hepatitis management, acts as a resource, coordinates client referrals, and participates in program planning and research within the service line of Clinical Prevention Services.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Provides nursing care, education and counselling using a health promotion, harm reduction and trauma informed approach.

2.    Provides nursing services related to the assessment of clients presenting with or at increased likelihood for STIs and Hepatitis by methods such as interviewing clients and taking history, gathering data appropriate to clinical assessment and diagnosis, conducting client-centred risk assessments, determining appropriate timing of tests to produce valid test results, and assessing client’s anxiety related to their risks and their ability to deal with positive test results.  

3.    Performs physical assessments as needed and collects specimens required for diagnostic confirmation which may include venipuncture, vaginal speculum exam, anoscopy, oral, rectal, cervical, vaginal and urethral swabs and/or urine specimen collection.

4.    Reviews information from client physical assessment and diagnostics to determine appropriate care regarding treatment, client follow-up and contact notification.  Consults clinic physician when care is out of scope of STI Certified nurse. Administers and/or dispenses treatment according to clinical guidelines and Decision Support Tools and provides discussions around side-effects.

5.    Provides education and evidence-based information about available vaccines and administers vaccines to eligible clients.

6.    Refers clients to other healthcare providers, support services or specialists as necessary; assists clients to locate community resources appropriate to their needs; and ensures client is aware of and understands any need for follow-up.

7.    Provides education, counseling and evidence-based information to clients and their families, using a health promotion, harm reduction and trauma informed care approach, with regard to safer sex practices, likelihood of contracting STIs and Hepatitis, and treatment.

8.    Prepares and maintains client records by methods such as documenting client assessments, interventions, evaluations, modifications and client goals; charting client information; documenting significant events/unusual occurrences; noting referrals; recording contact with client/family and health care staff; preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to regulatory requirements; and providing evidence and rationale that support findings and intervention plan.

9.    Carries out contact tracing duties for all clients with reportable STIs or Hepatitis to ensure contact/partner notification and documents adequate treatment or arranges follow up by interviewing clients in person or by telephone to collect all available information regarding sexual contacts for a specific period of time; uses information collected and investigative skills when information is limited to find named contacts and informs named contacts by telephone or visits what infection they may have been exposed to and what action is required of them, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained at all times. Follows up with contacts to document required testing and treatment and contacting healthcare providers of clients with lab reported STIs or Hepatitis to document adequate treatment and offer assistance with contact tracing as necessary and/or arrange follow up.

10.    Participates in the training of healthcare providers in the specialty of STI and Hepatitis management as required by assisting others in developing and delivering education sessions in a classroom setting, demonstrating clinical skills required for assessment and management of STIs and Hepatitis in a hands-on client care setting, supervising inexperienced healthcare professionals in a hands-on practice setting for the purpose of skill development, and providing a role model and guiding the inexperienced learner in collection of very sensitive information.

11.    Acts as an STI and Hepatitis information resource to the general public and healthcare professionals by answering telephone inquiries related to STIs and Hepatitis, interpreting recommended treatment guidelines, and providing consultations regarding specific concerns.

12.    Participates in program planning and research within the service line of Clinical Prevention Services as needed by working on committees and teams to identify problems, solve problems, and develop strategies; participating in quality and safety initiatives, accreditation and other PHSA initiatives; providing input into research planning; implementing research activities and assisting in review of research results.

13.    Maintains and updates knowledge in STI and Hepatitis by reviewing relevant literature and evaluating clinical practice.  Participates in professional development and revision of standards to improve care through new practices.  

14.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
•    Certification in Reproductive Health (STIs) with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
•    One (1) year of recent related experience in the designated clinical area (STI/HIV/Hepatitis).



Skills and Abilities

•    Broad knowledge in the field of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
•    Good working knowledge of infection control concepts to prevent risk to self and others of exposure to infection.
•    Expert communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to manage difficult clients who may be upset, angry, uncooperative, intoxicated, or mentally or physically impaired.
•    Sensitivity to implications of sexually transmitted infections to clients with a variety of ethnic origins and beliefs.
•    Ability to work with an interpreter.
•    Demonstrated ability in making decisions based on independent judgment.
•    Demonstrated ability to plan, problem solve, and adjust to new or unexpected events.
•    Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
•    Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

• NBA internal positions are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours.
• A selection decision will be made within 7 business days of the posting closing date.
• If an interview is required, you must be available. Interviews are scheduled for the week of September 2, 2025.
• The successful applicant has 48 hours to accept or decline the position.
• If you will not be available to accept or decline the job offer during the selection process, you must assign a designate that the Hiring Leader may contact during your absence. Please ensure you have clearly identified your designate on your resume or cover letter.
• If you have any questions regarding this new process, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk by email at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca.