Registered Practical Nurse – Unattached Care Clinic - Couchiching Family Health Team (Orillia)

Job Description:

Couchiching Family Health Team

Position: Registered Practical Nurse – Unattached Care Clinic 
1.0 FTE, Permanent with Benefits
Reports To: Manager of Specialized Programs and Services

Position Summary:
As a key member of the Couchiching Family Health Team (CFHT), and an integral part of an interdisciplinary health care team, the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) will deliver practical nursing care in accordance with CFHT policies and professional practice standards. 

Working in collaboration with Nurse Practitioners and an extensive interdisciplinary team, the Registered Practical Nurse will see unattached patients requiring episodic health care. This exciting new clinic will support the Ontario Health Primary Care for All initiative by providing health care to those who currently do not have a Primary Care Practitioner
 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, seeking and implementing guidance from specialists, NP’s and colleagues regarding individual patient care 
• Work with the Unattached Care Clinic team and your manager on things such as development of patient materials, scheduling and program development and setting standards for the program 
• Review all referrals to the Unattached Care Clinic, providing appropriate triage and initial assessment
• Ensure all referrals/inquiries are responded to within 48 hours of initial contact
• Triage incoming patient calls. Assess patient’s health needs, discuss test results and respond to questions pertaining to health promotion and disease prevention
• Coordinate and expedite patient flow by triage
• Work with the team to develop a comprehensive individualized plan of care for patients, which includes teaching and necessary referral to other members of the health care team or community
• Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient conditions
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician/NP or according to established policies and procedures
• Initiate the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of the patient visit, purpose, history and health care needs. Record patient vitals and prepare patient and room for examination
• Educate patients regarding different tests, if needed.
• Perform blood pressure follow-ups that include assessing the patient’s response to medications and providing patient education and self management strategies as per FHT program guidelines
• Perform suture/staple removal, ear syringe and assist physician/NP with minor clinic procedures as per scope of practice
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in clinical decision making by the identification, evaluation, and management of the individual needs of patients/families 
• Determine the appropriate service or treatment with the appropriate provider 
• Involve patients in decisions about their own health 
• Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team 
• Handle patient phone calls, provide telephone advice and arrange for follow up 
• Prepare monthly reports for the CFHT, Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT), and Ontario Health as needed 
• Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures 
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act 
• Other duties as required

Team Development:

• Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Actively participate in staff, team and committee meetings, if appropriate
• Participate in the development, planning and evaluation of treatment, education, counselling and health promotion activities of the Unattached Care Clinic

Professional Development:

• Maintain and develop professional competence through ongoing professional development
• Fully participate in the Quality Assurance Program of the college of Nurses of Ontario
• Stay current and aware of opportunities to implement new, evidenced based methods of client assessment, treatment and programming
• Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures
• Participate in clinical projects as required

Skills/Knowledge Requirements: 

• Leadership, organization, evaluation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional understanding of current, evidence based and best practice guidelines 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to demonstrate decision-making, problem solving and conflict resolution. Flexibility and adaptability are required skills.
• Maintains and upgrades knowledge and skills.
• Proficiency in the use of computer hardware and software, particularly in Microsoft word, excel, outlook and electronic medical records
• Work in compliance with Health and Safety laws adhering to safe work practices and procedures established by the CFHT 

Education/Specific Job Requirements:

• Practical Nursing Diploma required
• Current registration with the CNO
• Current membership with the RPNAO an asset
• Current Basic CPR 
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification an asset 
• Excellent patient assessment and triaging skills
• Knowledge of Immunization guidelines in Ontario
• Functions independently within scope of practice
• Current Ontario Driver’s License and vehicle insurance 
• Police Record/Vulnerable Sector Check
• Able to work flexible hours including evenings when required

It is a condition of employment that you receive the necessary vaccinations to protect against infection of COVID-19, or any similar infectious diseases, which may be recommended by governmental and public health authorities from time to time

Experience: 

• Minimum 1 to 3 years RPN experience in a Community and/or Primary Health Care setting with a broad knowledge of health care and local social services