Nurse (N2) - Primary Care

Position Overview

Consistent with the principles of primary healthcare, provides access to first level basic healthcare within the scope of nursing practice for individuals, families, groups and communities. As a member of an interdisciplinary community area team, the Primary Care Nurse provides comprehensive healthcare with an emphasis on healthy living, illness prevention (primary and secondary), health education, chronic disease management, clinical intervention, and palliation. Develops and implements a health plan with clients and evaluates success in meeting this plan. Provides ongoing service coordination and links clients with resources.

Under the general direction of the Manager, Health Services, the incumbent is responsible for:

1. Actualizing the mission, vision, and values of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA).
2. Applying the principles of Primary Health Care as stated by the World Health Organization Declaration of Alma Ata 1978 as the basis of all PCN work.
3. Synthesizing knowledge from The Canadian Taskforce on Preventative Health Care and professional nursing theory focusing on the health of individuals and their families.
4. Focusing on a shared client population in partnership one or more family physicians in the clinic.
5. Providing care to individuals across the life span within the context of their environment.
6. Providing expertise in the promotion of wellness.
7. Providing expertise in the prevention of disease and/or disability and the management of chronic diseases/conditions within a primary care setting.
8. Practicing aims to prevent the onset of disease and/or disability, minimize complications arising from conditions, maintain optimal physical and emotional functioning, and promote self-determination/management by the individual client.
9. Maintaining client-centered care with a strong emphasis on an interdisciplinary team approach. The PCN is an integral member of the team, providing support to the maximization of each disciplines' scope of practice.
10. Working as a navigator on behalf of the client to ensure the appropriate links/referrals to other human services that would enable the client to achieve their health goals.
11. Adopting a long-term approach to client care consistent with the philosophy of family-centred nursing and as a means to ensuring continuity of care for the client.
12. Supporting clients with a harm reduction and trauma informed care approach.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of directly related experience in a primary healthcare, community health nursing, northern nursing, and/or ambulatory care nursing with an emphasis on primary care services (primary and secondary prevention, intervention, maintenance/support, and palliation).
• A combination of other nursing experiences would be considered.
• Experience with mental health counselling would be beneficial.
• Satisfactory employment record required.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Graduate of an approved Registered Nursing education program required.
• Certification in Diabetes or Asthma Education (or attained within 2 to 3 years of employment) preferred.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Responsible for maintaining and providing proof of registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM).
• Active participation in professional associations e.g. Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) preferred.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training requirements for this position shall be in accordance with the Employer policy.
• Possession of a valid Manitoba Class 5 driver's license.

Qualifications and Skills

• Scope of practice as documented in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
• Proficient with computers, software programs, and applications such as Window, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Working knowledge of computers and keyboarding.
• Demonstrated clinical skill in physical examination and nursing intervention.
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Proven commitment to and knowledge of primary care and community health.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.
• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge in Indigenous customs, traditions and values.

Physical Requirements

• Physically capable of performing duties related to position, including assisting clients with physical and mental challenges during clinic visits, lifting a variety of clinic equipment and teaching materials, and arranging meeting rooms for group teaching activities.
• May be required to provide primary care nursing services in a variety of clinic settings, including a primary care clinic site, temporary clinics in community settings, the client's home, and/or within a private physician practice.
• Owns or has access to transportation suitable for the performance of Primary Care Nurse (PCN) duties.