Summary

Performs duties that provide optimum individualized resident care under the direction of the Registered Nurse in accordance with Standards of Nursing Practice, College of Nurses of Ontario, Long Term Care Homes Act and all other applicable legislation. This position acts as liaison (team leader) between the RN and the Care Team monitoring resident care based on policies and procedures, professional and regulatory standards, safety guidelines and best practice. The RPN practices independently in situations where the outcome is predictable and there is a low risk for negative outcomes. The RPN consults with the Registered Nurse (RN) in all other situations, collaborating to meet care needs of more complex residents

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for safe, accurate administration of medication and treatments provided to residents while maintaining complete and accurate applicable documentation.
• Assists with regular assessments of resident needs through development, update and evaluation of resident care plans (including short and long-term goals).
• Assists in maintaining an environment to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of the residents.
• As team leader, functions as liaison between all members of the Care Team and the Registered Nurse, while promoting and encouraging all team members to respect the individuality of each resident and their independence.
• Applies current knowledge regarding resident needs, gerontological principles, nursing care, general health maintenance and promotion practicing competently within legislated standards.
• Demonstrates accountability for her/his actions and decision-making with respect to the provision of resident care.
• Identifies indicators of risk to resident health and reports concerns to Registered Nursing staff.
• Contributes to resident care conferences.
• Monitors and provides guidance to PSW’s in provision of nursing care within an assigned work area.
• Communicates effectively through the Team Leader role and in a respectful manner with residents, family, members of health care team and all staff of Maple View Lodge.
• Documents all aspects of resident care in a thorough and timely manner according to prescribed policy and procedure.
• Maintains a positive and harmonious relationship with all members of the home community.
• Implements preventative infection control measures.
• Ensures that all activities are carried out in a manner to reduce risk of injury to resident and staff.
• Participates in other work-related duties as assigned by the Registered Nursing staff and Nursing Management
• Participates in admission, transfer and discharge of residents according to policies and procedures
• Performs holistic assessments according to policies and procedures and collaborates with resident, family, and other care providers to establish and maintain a comprehensive plan of care based on the resident’s care requirements, medical needs, strengths, abilities, and preferences.
• Communicates and documents in a manner that reflects Best Practice recommendations that positively impact resident status and outcomes.
• Assists in clinical and support services, including liaison with external agencies to ensure that the most effective and therapeutic care is delivered.
• Completes nursing documentation according to professional standards, LTC documentation requirements based on policies and procedures. Maintains health records in compliance with legislations e.g. Privacy Act, Long Term Care Homes Act.
• Demonstrates leadership when working with members of the Care Team to coordinate care and service delivery to benefit each resident. This includes sharing problem-solving issues of care, consulting nursing expertise to ensure that resident’s needs are met and that appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Monitors and evaluates resident needs and care goals regularly according to LTC standards and policies and procedures by analyzing and interpreting overall resident outcomes and modifying each plan of care as needed using professional judgement.
• Reports to RAI Coordinator regarding resident assessment and flow sheet documentation observations.

Qualifications

Education, Certification & Licenses

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario and a member in good standing (to be verified at time of hire and then submitted annually)
• Certificate in Administration of Medications (if not included in the RPN course)
• Maintains competency in performing CPR according to standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Gentle Persuasion Approach (GPA) Training is considered an asset
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) at the intermediate level.

Experience

• Experience in Long Term Care is considered an asset
• Experience with carrying out nursing interventions within scope of practice and takes responsibility for the consequences of decisions and actions taken
• Experience with carrying out nursing interventions within scope of practice and takes responsibility for the consequences of decisions and actions taken
• Experience with implementation and sustainability of the Registered Nurses Association (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines (BPG’s) and other Quality Initiatives directly related to improved resident outcomes is considered an asset
• Competence at the current level of knowledge for their practice through reflective practice, ongoing learning, and professional development
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) at the intermediate level.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience working in interdisciplinary teams, as well as familiarity with Long Term Care assessment and care planning processes
• Understands relevant legislation and programs within Long Term Care
• Best Practice Champion and/or experience in quality initiatives is considered an asset

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to respect the confidentiality of information and exercise tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and advice to others on a regular basis
• Team-oriented and skilled in working within a collaborative team environment
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills to interface with internal and external clients and consumers in a professional manner
• Strong organizational skills; detail oriented and able to prioritize multiple complex tasks and activities meeting conflicting priorities and timelines
• Able to fulfil all physical demands of the position