RN Case Manager

Position Summary

The Case Manager provides comprehensive nursing care to patients with infectious diseases, including but not limited to HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other acute and chronic infectious conditions. The nurse collaborates with providers, the Case Manager, pharmacists, behavioral health staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care, promote treatment adherence, educate patients, and support positive health outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform nursing assessments and document findings in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Obtain and record vital signs, medical histories, medication reviews, and other clinical information.
• Assist providers during examinations and procedures.
• Administer medications, injections, immunizations, and treatments as ordered.
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions and changes in condition.
• Perform specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and other clinical procedures within scope of practice.
• Assist providers in initiating, monitoring, and educating patients receiving PrEP and PEP.
• Assess patients for STI risk based on symptoms, exposure history, clinical presentation, and other relevant risk factors; perform STI screening and provide presumptive treatment in accordance with approved standing orders and organizational protocols, as applicable. Coordinate treatment, partner notification resources, and prevention education in collaboration with providers.
• Monitor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and provide adherence counseling.
• Promote viral suppression through patient education, follow-up, and care coordination.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate patient care with providers, Nurse Case Managers, specialists, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, and community agencies.
• Facilitate referrals, follow-up appointments, and continuity of care.
• Review laboratory and diagnostic results and communicate findings to providers as appropriate.
• Assist with medication prior authorizations and specialty pharmacy coordination, as assigned.
• Participate in care planning for patients with complex medical and psychosocial needs.

Patient Education

• Provide education regarding infectious diseases, treatment plans, medications, immunizations, prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Reinforce medication adherence and appointment compliance.
• Educate patients on infection prevention, transmission reduction, and self-management techniques.

·         Educate patients regarding HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).

• Promote patient understanding using culturally and linguistically appropriate communication.

Quality and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control standards, OSHA, CDC, and other applicable guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with providers, Nurse Case Managers, medical assistants, behavioral health clinicians, pharmacists, and support staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.
• Support patient-centered care and continuity of services.

Other Duties

• Assist with vaccine management and storage according to organizational policy.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Successful completion of all required job-related certifications

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of clinical nursing experience preferred.
• Experience in infectious disease, HIV care, public health, primary care, or community health preferred.
• Experience with electronic health records required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, immunizations, and infection prevention practices.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and patient education abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA, CDC infection prevention guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking for up to 80% of the work day or shift. 
• Some lifting, pushing or pulling required up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to see and distinguish color.  
• Ability to perform CPR (chest compressions).

Work Environment:

• Frequent contact with patients, families, visitors, nurses and other department staff. Occasional requests to change work areas to cover another priority area to meet patient needs. May be exposed to various body fluids and/or infectious diseases.  Universal precautions and techniques are included in orientation, and the availability of protective wear is supported and encouraged when the employee is at risk for exposure.