Reporting to the Director of Care, the Registered Nurse coordinates the resident care program and resources of the home in accordance with the principle function of the nursing services, professional standards, and the Long Term Care Homes Act. Monitors nursing practice and resident outcomes based on policies and procedures, professional and regulatory standards, safety guidelines and best practice applying an analytical decision-making approach to address any negative outcomes or substandard practice. Is directly involved in the successful implementation and sustainability of Registered Nurses Association (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines (BPG’s) and other Quality Initiatives directly related to improved resident outcomes.
Quality Improvement (20%)
1. Assess, plan, coordinate and evaluate all activities necessary for assigned Quality Improvement (QI) programs under the direction and supervision of the Director of Care.
2. Actively participates in the Quality Improvement Program: data collection, monitoring quality indicators, analysis of outcomes, formulating corrective actions, strategic planning and involvement in committees.
3. Conducts audits to determine compliance to specific BPG’s, legislation, consistency in application of policy, process and effectiveness of program initiatives.
4. Recommend policies and procedures appropriate for meeting organizational and program strategic goals and resident needs that support quality assurance, program integrity and accountability.
5. Act in a mentorship, consultative and advisory role for staff in the interpretation and compliance with Quality Improvement initiatives.
6. Work in conjunction and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and managers
to identify and recommend appropriate policy development.
General (approximately 80%)
7. Coordinates admissions, transfers, and discharge of residents according to policies and procedures.
8. 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 that will be based on resident care requirements, medical needs, strengths, abilities and preferences.
9. Effective communication and documentation of Best Practice recommendations that impact resident status and outcomes.
10. Coordinates clinical and support services, including liaising with external agencies to ensure most effective and therapeutic care is delivered.
11. Acts as lead in interdisciplinary annual and special needs Resident Care conferences
12. Completes nursing documentation according to professional standards, LTC documentation requirements, and based on policies and procedures. Maintains health records in compliance with legislations, e.g. Privacy Act, Long Term Care Homes Act.
13. Demonstrates leadership when working with members of the care team, to coordinate care and service delivery for the benefit of the resident. This includes problem solving issues of care, nursing expertise, and consulting experts as necessary to ensure that resident’s needs are met and appropriate safeguards are in place.
14. Monitors and evaluates resident needs and care goals regularly according to LTC standards and policies and procedures, and by analyzing and interpreting overall resident outcomes and modifying plan of care as needed, using professional judgement.
15. Collaborates with the RAI Coordinator regarding resident assessment and flow sheet documentation observations.
16. Assists in the training of new staff to achieve performance expectations through orientation, coaching and mentoring.
17. Provides ongoing support to staff, and acts as advocate for residents and families to ensure resident’s rights are protected. Maintains an abuse-free living and working environment.
18. Delegates task to care team members according to their scope of practice and competencies and evaluates performance outcomes with adequate follow-up to ensure care and services are provided according to established standards.
19. Utilizes and allocates resources effectively by distributing, monitoring and maintaining adequate nursing supplies and equipment on the unit. Also provides directions to staff to ensure use of equipment and supplies are in accordance with policies and procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and health and safety regulations.
20. Assist in the development and evaluation of Resident Home Areas (RHA) goals and objectives, improving nursing standards, and development of policies and procedures.
21. Ensures compliance with routine practices and effective implementation of appropriate infection control protocols based on surveillance of risks and outbreak management.
22. Performs self-reflective practice annually and develops own learning plan to improve level of performance both for professional and personal growth.
23. Commitment to participate in education programs aligned with role, personal and professional growth and leadership.
