Cervical Cancer Nurse (Part Time)

About FHI 360

FHI 360 is a non-profit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

Project summary

The Zimbabwe HIV Care and Treatment (ZHCT) mechanism project increases the availability and quality of care and treatment services for people living with HIV (PLHIV) by complimenting the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s (MOHCC) efforts towards HIV epidemic control in Zimbabwe. The project provides technical assistance to the management, coordination and provision of comprehensive HIV clinical care and treatment services within the national HIV program. The technical assistance spans across all MOHCC and PERFAR HIV priority technical areas.

Position summary

The Cervical Cancer Nurse (CCN) will be responsible for the implementation of high-quality cervical cancer to increase access to screening and treatment services for women living with HIV. The CCN is a registered nurse seconded to cervical cancer or VIAC (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Cervicography) clinics within designated public health care facilities. The Cervical Cancer nurse will be assigned to work at a heath facility under the guidance and technical supervision of the health facility leadership team and directly reporting to the designate District Cervical Cancer Officer.

Duties and responsibilities

Conduct cervical cancer screening and treatment of precancerous lesions for women living with HIV (WLHIV) between the ages of 25-65 years per national guidelines. Register eligible clients in the electronic and paper-based registers before client is screened. Counsel client on the benefits and potential side events of cervical cancer screening so that client can give informed consent. Conduct VIAC for each client in a safe, private, confidential and dignified environment for every client. After screening client, treat client using the provided SOPs and algorithms. The nurse will be expected to offer treatment to clients with STIs, cervicitis or genital ulcer disease incidentally diagnosed during the screening process. Adherence to the STIs treatment guidelines is of paramount importance. In consultation with the client, the nurse will be responsible for drawing up a follow up plan/schedule and book the client in the provided diary. Conduct treatment for precancerous cervical cancer lesions. Conduct outreach VIAC visits to screen women in hard to reach areas. In consultation with the District Health Executive (DHE) a schedule for outreach visits to identified sites should be developed and adhered to. The CC nurse will also compile a list of names for the outreach team and a duty roster developed as well. Schedule follow up visits for all clients screened and treated during outreach visits. Support identification of clients who are defaulting for tracking and tracing. Registration of all clients screened for cervical cancer in the provided standard MoHCC electronic and paper registers. Record and maintain filing system for all client records as per MoHCC procedures. Prepare monthly report on services rendered for submission to supervisor. Using the relevant primary data sources, the nurse will be responsible for timeously collecting, compiling and reporting to MoHCC and FHI360. Facilitate linkage between HIV testing, diagnosis, care, support and treatment Provide adherence counselling and initiate clients on ARV treatment. Link and refer clients to facility and community based Psychosocial Support Services Provide routine follow-up and monitoring of clients (including scheduling interpreting Viral Load and CD4 tests) and provide adherence support to clients issued with results.

Qualifications and experience

RGN/PCN/Primary Care Nursing or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Certificate in Rapid HIV Testing and Counselling Registration with Nurses Council of Zimbabwe. License to practice as a nurse in Zimbabwe. Class 3 license or willingness to ride a motorbike is a must. Motorbike riding experience is an added advantage. Training, knowledge and experience in cervical cancer screening and Cervicography is an added advantage. Training in Advance HV management is an added advantage. Sound knowledge and experience in M&E is an added advantage.