Clinical Nurse Consultant

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

Cardea Services is seeking an independent contractor to support a body of work with the Texas Infertility Prevention Project (TIPP). TIPP aims to expand access to high-quality clinical services for the diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) among populations disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Texas. The TIPP provides project partners with screening supplies, laboratory services, medications for treatment, training, technical assistance, and other resources to enhance patient services.

The TIPP is a collaboration between the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) HIV/STD Prevention Unit, the DSHS Pharmacy Section, and the DSHS Laboratory Services Section. DSHS works with a TIPP administrative agency (TIPP AA) to collaborate with partner sites across the state to carry out the goals of the project. Cardea serves as the TIPP AA, working directly with partner sites to strengthen statewide clinical capacity and support ongoing strategic planning, program implementation, and evaluation efforts.

The TIPP Clinical Nurse Consultant works closely with Cardea and DSHS program staff to provide clinical expertise through direct clinical training and technical assistance (TTA) and ongoing programmatic support. The scope of work includes serving as a subject matter expert on STI clinical services, with particular emphasis on CT/GC prevention and care within the public health field.

SCOPE OF WORK

Clinical Training and Technical Assistance

• Facilitate on-site clinical training for TIPP partner sites, including comprehensive STI exam and pelvic exam trainings. Provide basic trainings to TIPP registered nurses and refresher trainings to clinicians (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants).
• Support the annual review of all pelvic exam training content and revise as needed and/or requested.
• Attend and provide on-site support for the annual TIPP Fall Convening. This may include directly facilitating in-person learning sessions, leading concurrent pelvic exam training, and/or providing other support to TIPP clinical providers.
• Support the planning and execution of DSHS-directed clinical initiatives for the project (e.g., DoxyPEP implementation, implementing extragenital testing, etc.) as needed.

Time and Travel

We anticipate the requested scope of work will regularly average 0-3 hours per week. During peak periods related to training or time-sensitive deliverables (specific weeks in October-November), hours may increase, not to exceed 16 hours per week. Overall workload will fluctuate based on project needs and will be communicated in advance. Most work must be completed during business hours in Central Time (8:00AM-5:00PM) and may be performed virtually, though in-person work is required. Occasional travel (<10%) within Texas, including some overnight stays, will be required.

CONTRACT TERMS

This position is supported by federal passthrough and state funding and is dependent upon continued funding from the CDC and DSHS. The TIPP fiscal year is September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. Contracting will begin as soon as possible and will end August 31, 2027. Renewal beyond August 31, 2027, is dependent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. This position will be contracted at a rate of $75 per hour and up to 140 total hours in the fiscal year.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher and an active, unencumbered nursing license. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) credentials preferred.
• Experience in sexual and reproductive health and/or family planning clinical practice, with work experience in the public health field strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with clinical practices, standards, and regulations in the state of Texas.
• Working knowledge of STI clinical guidelines and standards (e.g., CDC and DSHS).
• Experience providing TTA to clinicians and evaluating clinical practices (preceptorship experience strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with technology, including virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams), Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel), and related tools and systems.
• Texas residency and ability to travel within the state as needed.