COMMUNICABLE DISEASE NURSE

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Communicable Disease Nurse (CDN) acts to prevent the spread of communicable disease in the Community.

Incumbent does this by determining who the contacts of cases are, and ensuring that both cases and their contacts

are adequately treated. The CDN also educates involved families and tribal employees on ways to prevent

transmission of communicable disease. Incumbent must alert the Public Health Officer or designee, if any

outbreak of communicable disease is suspected.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Home visits on communicable disease to locate and notify clients of lab results, encourage follow-up lab work

or return for treatment, note possible environmental sources of infection for referral to Environmental Health,

and direct observation of therapy with tuberculosis patients.

 Contact clients by letter or phone for a follow-up visit.

 Take after-hours call (alternating with other public health staff).

 Chart review to complete report of sexually transmitted infection. Complete all other forms required by

Arizona Department of Health Services.

 Follow-up on client contacts for notification and treatment.

 Upon request, provide education to various tribal departments on communicable disease prevention and

treatment.

 If clients are unable to return for treatment, obtain order for medication and deliver it to them, or draw required

lab work.

 Assist other Department of Public Health Programs with control of communicable disease outbreaks.

 Provide health promotion activities involving education and presentations on communicable disease to

Community residents and employees; provide TB skin tests and immunizations for employees of Tribal

Health Department and other GRIC tribal departments.

 Assist with emergency preparedness in case the Community is impacted by an attack with a biologic agent of

terrorism.

 Provide monthly written report on job activities to the Public Health Officer.