Registered Practical Nurse Interprofessional Resource Team

POSITION SUMMARY:

The RPN in collaboration with the RN and the Inter-professional team is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care to meet the physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural and social needs of an identified patient/client group.

The RPN in collaboration with other members of the health care team uses her/his knowledge, communication, leadership and decision making skills to meet the health needs of patients/clients and families at Providence Healthcare and is accountable and responsible for her/his own professional actions and ongoing professional development.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient/client and family care provision:

The RPN in partnership with the RN and in collaboration with the patient/client, family and other staff:

• Determines the scope of her involvement with a patient/client/family based on the College of Nurses standard for scope of practice for an RPN including the elements of predictability, acuity and provider skill set
• Establishes a relationship in which the patient/client & family feels safe and respected. She/he advocates on behalf of the patient/client & family ensuring consideration of their perspective in all health care planning
• Is aware of the medical history, needs, medications (effects and adverse effects) and plan of care for every patient/client in their care
• Practices from a perspective that is based on patient/client centered principles of choice, self-determination, privacy, dignity and self-worth, autonomy and independent, self-expression, freedom and stimulation;
• Systematically collects data about the health of the patient/client for initial screening and ongoing assessment, and collaborates with the RN to identify priorities, goals, target dates and strategies of interventions that contribute to the individualized care plan to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient/client
• Manages stable and predictable patient/clients and situations using critical thinking and the resources at hand and identifies early the need to conference with the RN for evolving patient/client instability or for support in determining next steps in a situation
• Promotes and maintains patient/client independence and recovery through encouragement of their involvement in activities of daily living, rehabilitation goals and other activities

Clinical Documentation:

• Documents in a timely and concise manner according to the current College of Nurses of Ontario standards and Providence Healthcare policies
• Reports changes and concerns in a patient/client's status or progress appropriately and in a timely way to the RN and/or the Physician and/or the Inter-professional team.
• Transcribes medical orders within Providence Healthcare policy
• Collaborates with the inter-professional team to complete relevant (e.g. NRS, MDS, Meditech RM&R) data entry and quality analysis as required

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Membership in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and have a current Medication Certificate (if applicable) which meets the College of Nurses Standards of Practice and Providence Healthcare's requirements;
• Current BCLS certification
• Previous experience with an older adult population is desirable
• A good understanding of major nursing and health issues and the ethical and legislative framework that influences the situations in which RPN functions
• Good and effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Very good attendance record
• Good performance record