Key Duties: Clinical Responsibilities: Possess specialist knowledge of the tuberculosis disease process and an understanding of the range of options to consider when screening contacts of tuberculosis. Monitor progress of treatment of clients with TB. Assess their individual health needs and provide nursing interventions or refer as appropriate to GP or other services. Monitor compliance with medication if clients with TB.
Observe for side effects of medication and undertake visual acuity tests. Interpretation of screening results, evaluating and taking the appropriate action. Referral of clients directly for X-ray or to Chest Physicians as appropriate. Accept referrals from the other disciplines such as GPS.
Out of area Consultant in Communicable Disease, TB Nurses and Physicians and other Professionals. To administer Heaf test and BCG Vaccination to all age groups including neonates and those children who cannot be included in the schools programme. Follow cases of Bovine TB and screen relevant contacts. Identification of new immigrants and asylum seekers at higher risk to TB via port Health forms and GP registration.
To undertake screening of new immigrants and their families through health interview and TB screening/chest X-ray and referral to a Chest Physician where appropriate. To undertake screening of prison inmates and staff following notification of TB case and routine referrals for vaccination. Managerial Responsibilities: Assessment of contact screening needs and planning of follow up on an individual basis. Be responsible for maintaining accurate and up to date client records of nursing intervention and collate statistical information and reports as required.
Provide the TB screening services in conjunction with Consultant in Communicable Diseases ensuring that action is taken in respect of high risk cases, including outbreak management. Effectively manage own case load. Influence and implement changes to clinical practice Trust wide i.e. neonatal BCG, school BCG programme.
Organise and run Nurse led contact and BCG clinics, accepting referrals from other areas. Participate in the development of Policies relating to the management of TB. Communication and Liaison Responsibilities: To act as advocate to people with TB with other agencies. Communicate with empathy and understanding with clients and relatives about the implications of this infectious disease and clearly outline the importance of screening and follow up of contacts.
Emphasise the importance of medication with a strong message regarding the dangers of non-compliance. Communicate with empathy with the farming community and understand the implications for them of a herd breakdown and consequential movement restrictions. Communicate with wider community to reduce fear and increase understanding about TB and its implications for those involved, whilst maintaining confidentiality of index cases as is possible. Participate in meetings i.e.
regular meetings with TB group. Communicate with empathy with new immigrants, asylum seekers paying particular care to cultural differences. Where necessary utilising the help of other agencies with regard to translation. Liaise with appropriate agencies, including Consultant Physicians and Paediatricians, GPS Respiratory Nurses, Health Protection Agency and Consultant in Communicable Diseases, Midwives, Health Visitors, School Nurses, Microbiologists, Ministry Vets Ward Staff, Prison Nurses and Officers and Infection Control Nurses.
Identify and utilise relevant interest groups i.e. TB Regional Group, TB Midland Nurses Forum RCN TB Nurses Forum in order to share ideas methods of practice and keep updated on latest innovations and treatments and become involved in clinical supervision. Educational Responsibilities: Develop and deliver training and awareness raising sessions for health professionals and wider public in relation to TB. Participate in the support of clinical placements for students in line with learning needs/university requirements.
Provide specialist education and training to School Nurses, Midwives and others regarding administration of Heaf test, interpretation of results and BCG vaccination to adults, children and neonates. Act as resource of information for TB for medical colleagues, clients, relatives, the farming and wider community. Provide health education and health promotional advice to clients. Ensure knowledge is up to date by attending relevant courses, reading pertinent material and receiving updates from TB interested groups.
Participating in promotional educational days with other agencies. Work Environment: Work within the policies, procedures and standards for the Trust, and participate in the development of such policies and procedures. Visit patients and their contacts in their home and in hospital. Visit work places, Schools, Nurseries, Nursing Homes, Colleges, and Universities, Prisons and Remand Centres and recreational facilities to TB patients.
Hostel for the Homeless and Probation Hostels where necessary. Deal with infectious patients in any location. Dealing with infectious sputum specimens and appropriate urine testing where necessary

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