CAREPARTNERS-RN – Visiting Job Category: Nursing

CarePartners; Waterloo; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Registered Nurse to provide visiting nursing care. The role requires strong communication and critical thinking skills, and a commitment to compassionate patient care. Candidates must be graduates of an approved nursing program and possess a current RN certificate. The position offers the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives through in-home care in the Waterloo region.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Continuous professional development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Two years’ recent acute care/community-based nursing experience required.
• Ability to initiate peripheral IVs and experience with central lines are recommended.
• Fluent in English, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized nursing care based on patient's needs.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Document assessments and nursing care provided.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Critical thinking

Compassionate patient care

Education

Graduate of an approved Registered Nursing program

Current College of Nurses RN Certificate of Competence

Tools

Electronic health record software

Work scheduling systems

Job description

Job Title: RN – Visiting Job Category: Nursing
Department/Group: Operations
Location: Ontario Reporting To: Nurse Manager

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The visiting Registered Nurse is responsible for providing 24-hour care to approximately 1-12 patients per day in their homes. As a member of a self-directed nursing team, the nurse drives from home to home and usually provides 0.5 to 2.0 hours of nursing care to individual patients. This care is delivered in accordance with the standards of the nursing agency, the HCSS and the College of Nurses of Ontario. The below noted tasks are to be completed in a manner which builds the business and meets the strategic needs of the organization.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care
• Functions as a member of an empowered nursing team that is accountable for the nursing care it provides, in accordance with current professional legislation and the guidelines and standards set out by the College of Nurses
• The nurse utilizes the forecast, assesses patient nursing needs, and patient preferences.
• The nurse assists the Clinical Assistant in booking patients, maintaining continuity of patient care; restocking of clinic rooms and reordering of the medical supplies for the clinic; and the greeting of patients
• The nurse interfaces with the physicians and other health care professionals with the authority to order controlled acts to acquire appropriate orders according to the Best Practice Guidelines as set out by the RNAO and other evidence-based protocols.
• The nurse carries a pager on a rotating basis and responds to pages promptly and appropriately
• The nurse utilizes the nursing process to provide individualized nursing care for each patient, including performing a thorough holistic assessment of each patient and identifying the patient’s needs utilizing information from the patient, caregiver(s), the HCCSS referral and other sources

Abides by Care Plan
• The nurse develops appropriate time-specific, measurable goals and outcomes in collaboration with the patient and/or caregiver(s), and in keeping with the HCCSS goal for treatment
• The nurse develops a comprehensive plan of care that reflects evidence-based practice, patient-based goal(s) and outcomes, and the physician’s orders
• The nurse implements the nursing care plan in accordance with the policies and procedures of CarePartners, ensuring that the plan of care promotes fiscal responsibility and patient empowerment
• He/she utilizes effective teaching skills to promote patient decision-making and independence
• He/she delegates procedures to patients, caregivers and/or home support workers as described in the CNO document: Working with Unregulated Care Providers
• He/she evaluates the patient’s response to treatment and revises the care plan and goals as necessary in consultation with the patient, caregiver, physician and/or HCCSS Case Manager
• The nurse teaches RPN’s skills as deemed appropriate and preceptors’ new nurses or student nurses during their placement

Documentation and Communication
• The nurse documents the assessment, goals and outcomes, nursing care plan, the care provided and
the patient’s response using the documenting policies and procedures set out by the agency
• He/she communicates with the HCCSS according to its standards
• The nurse collaborates with other health care team members to develop a comprehensive plan of care for multi-service patients, and participates in multi-disciplinary conferences as required
• The nurse regularly attends monthly team meetings and in-services
• He/she demonstrates initiative by continually upgrading his/her nursing scope of knowledge and skills through attendance at courses and workshops, and reading of professional journals
• He/she actively promotes and participates in the agency’s Quality Improvement Program, Accreditation process and Health and Safety Program
• The nurse may elect to sit on any of these committees as a staff representative
• Supports patient safety by practicing according to policy and standards.
• Participates in patient safety related education.
• Reports events where patient safety has been compromised and works with management to develop solutions to prevent similar events.

FREEDOM OF ACTION
• Works independently while attending to patients
• Abides by CNO guidelines

WORKING CONDITIONS
General Conditions
• Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. As a result, high speed internet access is required
• Occasional travel beyond service delivery area may be required
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
• May be exposed to infectious waste, disease, conditions, etc
• Nurse travels by car to patient homes, schools and places of employment to deliver nursing care
• Delivers nursing care in the patient’s environment which offers a wide range of conditions in terms of temperature, noise, lighting, smell and cleanliness
• Required to deliver care 24 hours per day
• On-call on a rotational basis to support after hours teams as needed Effort (Mental & Physical)
• Genuine warmth and compassion that are immediately evident to the patient/family are essential
• The ability to analyze information critically, make decisions independently, collaborate effectively and manage time well is required
• A high stress level due to the acuity of patient conditions, conflicting demands, odd hours and limited resources is always present
• The ability to drive in good and bad weather and the ability to walk in long laneways in heavy winter conditions is essential
• Nurses carry a bag containing nursing equipment and resource material that can weigh up to 20 pounds
• Nursing care is often performed at less-than-ideal height, therefore back muscles are often challenged, and kneeling is a common position for care delivery
• Lifting and moving of patients is frequently required but is performed with assistance or mechanical aids if the patient is heavy
• Excellent manual dexterity is mandatory, as many tasks require above average fine motor skills
• Communicating using multiple electronic devices (i.e. phone, email, fax, computer portal, pager)

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the Employer requires to be used
• Report to the supervisor safety hazards and not proceed with the unsafe activity until safe alternatives
are provided by the supervisor / manager
• Attend safety training(s) as required
• Apply safety techniques and processes as trained
• Participate in Joint Health and Safety Committee’s undertakings
• Request further information and training if safety training is unclear or confusing
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, legislation and best practices

QUALITY
• Ensure that we collaborate with patients and family on relevant quality improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous quality improvement by utilizing the PDSA Model for Improvement as outlined in the Quality and Safety Plan
• Ensure that improvement is aligned with Strategic Priorities and Objectives

PATIENT SAFETY
• Ensure that we collaborate with patients and family on relevant safety initiatives.
• Recognize that errors are inevitable and that every person in the organization is susceptible to error.
• Recognize that error represents learning and improvement opportunities
• Encourage reporting of safety concerns
• Escalating and communicating safety concerns as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications (formal training experience/special skills)
• Graduate of an approved Registered Nursing program
• Current College of Nurses RN Certificate of Competence
• Proven computer skills, including e-mail, word processor, work scheduling systems
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form and must be fluent in English
• Two years’ recent acute care/community-based nursing experience, ability to initiate peripheral IVs and experience with central lines are all recommended.

Additional Requirements
• Valid driver’s license, own vehicle and appropriate insurance