Employment Opportunity – Sexual Health Research Nurse

Department: HIV Prevention Lab, Department of Psychology
Position supervisor: Dr. Trevor Hart
Contract length: 12 months
Hours of work per week: 36.25
Position type: Full-time
Rate of pay: $67,000

About Ryerson

At the intersection of mind and action, Ryerson is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Ryerson University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.ryerson.ca, check out @RyersonU, external link, @RyersonHR, external link and @RyersonEC, external linkI on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page, external link.

About the program/department/team

The Engage, external link study will investigate the sexual health of GBM, including trans and 2-spirit men, in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. This study involves both a self-report questionnaire, and biological testing for HIV and other STBBIs. We have recruited a total baseline sample of 517 participants at the Toronto site. Participants will be invited to return for 1-year/6-month follow-up study visits over the next 3 years.

The Sexual Confidence, external link study will investigate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for social anxiety in reducing social anxiety and sexual risk behaviours among HIV-negative GBM. The study involves treatment sessions, self-report questionnaires, and biological testing for HIV and other STBBIs at baseline and multiple post-intervention follow-up study visits. The study is funded for the next 4 years.

The opportunity

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Trevor Hart, and Medical Monitor, Dr. Darrell Tan, the research nurse is responsible for conducting counselling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) among the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GMB) who are research participants of the Engage and the Sexual Confidence studies of the HIV Prevention Lab.

This is a full-time position of 36.25 hours per week with vacation and benefits. Scheduling of shifts will include evening and weekend times. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Carry out biological testing according to the research protocols (pre- and post-test counselling; venipuncture; collecting and sending blood, urine, and throat and rectal swab samples to external laboratories for testing; conducting HIV rapid tests).
• Communicate test results to participants, providing support with partner notification as required.
• Ensure that data collection is in line with standard operating procedures and biosafety standards.
• Create and manage files for participants’ medical records. Record test results in the study database in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide ongoing support for study participants as needed, including harm reduction education and counselling/support from a nursing perspective on issues relating to STBBIs and HIV.
•  Link participants to care (e.g., for treatment of STBBIs, for recent HIV infection, etc.).
• Act as a participant advocate to protect and promote participants’ rights to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information.
• Collaborate/consult with and provide clinical support to the participants’ primary care physicians to ensure appropriate two-way communication between study staff and those providing clinical care for study participants. Prepare and fax referral letters and participant test results to facilitate ongoing care. Develop linkages to/partnerships with other facilities, agencies, and support groups.
•  Conduct quality control procedures for rapid HIV tests.
• Initiate and participate in team meetings with Medical Supervisor, study investigators, and other study staff for identification and management of concerns regarding study implementation and coordination, emergent issues, and coordination of follow-up care. 
• Follow-up with Toronto Public Health and other public health authorities regarding positive test results for reportable infections.
• Assist with ordering medical supplies and keeping inventory.
• Scheduling duties.
• Liaise with external testing laboratories regarding specimen collection and processing matters.
• Courrier participant test results to and from St. Michael’s Hospital for review by the Medical Monitor.
• Complete other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Please demonstrate in your resume and covering letter how you met the following position requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• One year of related professional experience in a healthcare or health research setting
• Experience conducting venipuncture/phlebotomy multiple times on a daily basis
• Experience conducting HIV point-of-care tests, pre- and post-test counselling, and sexual health counselling with GBM, including trans and 2-spirit men preferred
• Experience working in a community health setting preferred
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team preferred

How to apply

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Abbie Parlette (aparlett@ryerson.ca) and Alyssa Theofanidis (atheofanidis@ryerson.ca).  

The deadline for receipt of applications is November 12, 2021.

We thank all applicants, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This job posting will remain available until a successful candidate has been found for the position. 

Ryerson’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications and also reach out to Tracey King, Indigenous Human Resources Lead for support during the selection process.

Please watch a message from Ryerson’s Vice President, Equity and Community Inclusion for more information on our commitment to equity.

Engage
November 02nd, 2021