Description

Job Summary

The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) shall, through the nursing process, determine and provide the professional care needed by the residents, while under the supervision of the Manager, Resident Care and the direction of the Registered Nurse.  As part of the interdisciplinary team, the RPN contributes to the development, implementation and communication of the resident’s care plan and reports any substantial findings and/or changes in resident’s condition and actively contributes to solutions.  The RPN provides high quality end of life care utilizing highly honed observation, assessment and communication skills.  The RPN participates in the interdisciplinary team providing direction and supervision for the care given by the Personal Support Worker.  In addition, the RPN will liaise with all other health care providers to develop and maintain a resident and family centered plan of care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities

Assume responsibility for all aspects of resident care in accordance with the Regulated Health Professionals Act and the College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standards
Act as the team leader when the RN is not available
Determine if delegation of care to other members of the team (PSW) as required
Participate in resident review and be available to assist visiting physicians or other members of the interdisciplinary team
Monitors and assumes responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy environment
       Ensures all medications are processed and recorded according to legislative and regulative requirements, e.g., counting of opioids at shift change

       Other duties as required

Assessment:

Performs physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional assessment of the resident, including their families as appropriate, as determined by the residents’ individual needs
Recognizes, assesses, and responds to resident health status changes
Summarizes and reports clinical and other situations with other team members including shift report
Acts upon reports of resident status change as received by other members of the team
  

Planning:

Determines resident care requirements and establishes a comprehensive plan of care dependent on the goals of care
Works collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to determine the plan of care
Consults with the residents, family members and/or the substitute decision maker regarding needs, wishes and preferences for care
 

Implementation:

Implements and coordinates interventions in order to meet the goals of care as outlined in the treatment plan
Ensures effective written and verbal communication to other service providers
Administers medication and treatments as required/ordered, monitors for effectiveness and side effects
Documents accurately and in a timely manner according to the College of Nurses Practice Standard and Carpenter Hospice’s policy
Identifies and reports unusual incidents in the delivery of care in the hospice to the Manager, Resident Care or clinical supervisor in a timely manner
Delegates and /or teach skills and techniques to other staff and /or resident families in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations
 

Evaluation:

Reviews, evaluates and/or revises the care plan on an ongoing basis
Evaluates nursing and medical interventions for effectiveness and ability to meet the goals of care
Confers with residents and families re satisfaction with changes and goals of the plan of care
Assists with the writing of clinical policy and procedure when asked
Any other duties as assigned
Other duties as required

Requirements

       Current Registered Practical Nursing registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario 

       Experience in palliative care preferred
       Palliative Care education and/or CNA Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care an asset
       A good understanding of the Palliative Care Nurses standards (CHPCA)

       Excellent palliative symptom management skills 

       Demonstrated confidence working autonomously and collaboratively with members of the interdisciplinary team 

       Excellent critical thinking skills and able to use judgement to assess and intervene in critical situations

       Demonstrated ability to practice within the professional boundaries and the therapeutic nurse client relationship in accordance with the standards of the        College of Nurses of Ontario. 

       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

      Culturally sensitive
      Ability to lead a team, diffuse conflict and manage an environment which is often highly emotionally charged
      Ability to comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal regulations and legislation
      A satisfactory current criminal reference check (CPIC) including for Vulnerable Populations 
      Proof of Professional Liability Protection

Schedule of Hours

Full-Time (1 position) - 36 hours per week (Averaged over 4-week scheduling cycle)

Casual (2 positions) - One 12 hours every 3 months (Averaged over 4-week scheduling cycle)

Shifts are twelve (12) hours (day/night, weekends and holidays)

Working Conditions
Interact with residents, family members, staff, and other agencies
Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing sitting, lifting, and supporting residents
Ability to move/lift 20lbs repeatedly and without restrictions
Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
Ability to walk, reach with hands and arms, twist, stoop, kneel or crouch using safe body mechanics
Ability to work safely with bodily fluids and potentially infectious diseases, using personal protective equipment when required
Ability to work safely with hazardous materials such as oxygen, cleansers, medications etc.