Community Nurse (LPN)

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, the Community Nurse LPN will work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, in a team-based approach. The Community Nurse LPN responsibilities include direct client care and care coordination. This position will provide personal care, perform nursing procedures, conduct home visits and complete assessments as per the Care Plan.

The Community Nurse LPN will plan, organize, implement, and evaluate professional nursing care for clients with acute, chronic or palliative health care needs and their caregivers, in a clinic, client's home and/or community setting. The Health Center focuses on family care by promoting wellness, including traditional practices, preventing illnesses, and providing direct nursing care in a trauma informed practise. We treat diseases through a collaborative, team-based approach, supporting our clients across all stages of illness alongside their caregivers and fellow healthcare providers.

This position collaborates with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to deliver comprehensive, holistic and client-centered care. Grounded in cultural safety and trauma-informed practices, the roles supports the development of a health literacy work plan and provides the tools necessary for every ʔakisq̓nuk citizen to create an individual health and wellness plan. The Community Nurse participates in health promotion activities and acts as a liaison between the program, community health providers and community support services.

The LPN operates in accordance with the competency guidelines and full scope of practice within the Professional Standards, as outlined by the BC College of Nurses and Midwifes and according to AFN Health operating policies, standards, and protocols.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. With a total membership of approximately 650, the Nation is located just 10km south of Invermere, BC and is home to approximately 100. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔAFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Major Position Responsibilities:

Clinical Care and Coordination of Services:

1. • Conduct health assessments and provide nursing care to individuals across the lifespan.
   • Measure and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.
     
   • Assist clients with comfort measures and daily living activities.
     
   • Prepare and administer injections and /or enemas, including seasonal respiratory immunizations.
   • Manage catheter care and collect required diagnostic specimens according to clinical protocols and practice standards.
     
   • Work with individuals and families to advance health and wellness by championing the concept of developing individual health and wellness planning, and in particular work with individuals who are living with chronic conditions.
   • Provide in home client care to support patient recovery, intervention, prevention, and education
   • Administer wound care interventions, ensuring adherence to BCCNM standards and plans developed by the specialized Wound Care Nurse.
   • Monitor and manage chronic conditions within the community.
   • Collaborate with healthcare teams to coordinate and implement comprehensive care plans.
   • Coordinate Home Support service and collaborate with external programs to align with client's health and wellness goals. Evaluate client needs and health and wellness goals to deliver health education and resources.
     
   • Ensure the delivery of quality care in accordance with the established procedures, process and guidelines of AFN Health, FNHA, IH, Ktunaxa Nation Council and other external partners.
   • Perform nursing care procedures and evaluates outcomes. Administer medication to assigned clients in accordance with specific protocols, and document therapeutic effects.
   • Promote and facilitate client's independence through a trauma informed lens.
   • Conduct home visits to monitor care delivery, ensuring safety, effectiveness and strict alignment with established Care Plans.
     
   • Prepare and organize medical supplies and equipment for all clinical examinations and procedures. Managing immunizations, vaccines and related health equipment, including the medication fridge.
     

Health Education:

1. • Develop and deliver health education programs that are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of AFN community.
   • Provide guidance on preventive care measures and wellness promotion.
   • Support individuals and families in understanding and managing their health conditions.
   • Work with community-based (ex. Diabetes) educators and focus on education and training aspects of chronic disease management
   • Pursue ongoing professional development through yearly continuing education opportunities to maintain clinical excellence.

Community Engagement:

1. • Establish and maintain positive relationships with community members.
   • Act as a liaison between the community and healthcare organizations.
   • Participate in community events and activities to promote health and well-being.
   • Link people with the appropriate primary health care, wellness, and public health services. Promote independence, develop individual health and wellness plans with clients, and advocate for community wellness to address the social determinants of health that affect Indigenous people.

Cultural Competence

1. • Demonstrate cultural competence in providing healthcare services.
   • Respect and integrate traditional healing practices and beliefs into nursing care when appropriate.
   • Collaborate with community leaders and elders to ensure culturally appropriate healthcare delivery.

Administration

1. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using systems such as Telus CHR, or eForms.
   • Compile and submit reports on community health status and trends.
   • Ensure compliance with relevant healthcare regulations and standards.
   • Maintains pertinent client records, charts, reports and documentation.
   • Assist with First Nations Health Benefits and other health Benefits and/or programs.
   • Refer clients to appropriate internal and external health resources as needed.
   • Schedule appointments depending on type of treatment, length of time required, and staff schedules.
   • Manages phone system to answer, screen, and transfer calls to the appropriate team member when necessary.
   • Prepare regular monthly reports as required.
   • Conduct data collection, analysis, and submit required summary reports within the program and community requirements.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of services to ensure clinical targets are being met.
   • Ensure program and service delivery meets the goals and objectives of the program through feedback, observation and monitoring.
   • Attend department staff meetings.
   • Assist clients in completing required written documents.
   • Order and monitor inventory of medical supplies as directed.
   • Draft and prepare a variety of documents as needed, such as posters, newsletter inserts, reports, correspondence, etc.
   • Confirm and follow up with clients regarding visits and scheduled appointments.
   • Ensures patient files are accurate prior to scheduled appointment.

Performs other related duties as required/delegated.

Qualifications:

• Current practicing license with the College of Registered Nurses of BC
• Qualifications and experience providing immunizations for ages 4 and up (as per BCCDC regulations), or willingness to obtain immunization certification.
• Experience working with First Nations / Indigenous communities is preferred
• Knowledge of language, history and culture of the ʔakisqnuk band is an asset
• Ability to act efficiently and effectively in crisis situation
• Willingness to participate in continued education, including Cultural Awareness training
• Strong communication skills, both written, verbal, and listening
• Excellent attention to detail when reviewing health details and creating reports
• Strong customer services skills when working with community members
• NOTE: A criminal check and vulnerable sector search will be conducted on the successful applicant

What we offer:

• Competitive pay ($70,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on experience)
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

Akisqnuk supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.