Position: Registered Nurse
Department: Nursing Department
Responsible To: Director of Resident Care
Date: June 2008

Position Summary:

The Registered Nurse is an experienced professional who administers skilled nursing care to residents of MacGillivray Guest Home. Responsible for directing and coordinating all nursing care for assigned residents based on established clinical nursing practice standards. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient resident care and the achievement of desired resident outcomes.

Delegates tasks and supervises the activities of LPN and CCA/PCW care providers. The mission, vision and values of the Home provide the direction for the provision of nursing services.

Core Competencies:

1. Accepts responsibility for decisions made and for achieving the expectations of the RN role in the organization.
2. Communicates effectively with residents, coworkers, managers, families and volunteers.
3. Displays attitudes in work performance that are in keeping with the mission statement and are resident focused.
4. Works cooperatively and respectfully with others to further the values and mission of the organization.
5. Participates in continuous quality improvement by seeking ways to improve resident care and service delivery.
6. Demonstrates ability to adapt to change by taking responsibility for self learning, receptive to new ideas and willingness to try new methods and approaches.
7. Demonstrates respect and caring by accepting others values and opinions, displaying compassion and empathy, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of others.

Responsibilities:

1. The registered nurse directly oversees the care provided to residents and ensures it is in keeping with the mission, vision and values of the organization.
2. Assesses resident's physical functions and psychosocial needs upon admission and as needed with change in resident condition.
3. Identifies resident problems, symptoms and behavioral changes.
4. Actively participates in a multidisciplinary approach to resident focused care.
5. Works within full scope of practice/employment.
6. Develops a nursing care plan that integrates the medical plan of care, nursing diagnosis and resident goals.
7. Updates the care plan as needed and as resident's condition changes.
8. Documents the resident's condition accurately and concisely, using correct charting format; notifies the physician of condition changes.
9. Assumes responsibility for leading/supervising the care team and the facility on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays in the absence of the management team.
10. Delegates and supervises effectively ensuring that duties assigned to LPN/CCA/PCW staff are completed.
11. Handles resident emergencies and arranges transfers to other medical facilities as required.
12. In accordance with the standards of nursing practice for RN's, administers medications and treatments as ordered.
13. Monitors residents and the environment for potential/actual risks and takes appropriate actions.
14. Participates in care conferences, staff meetings and committees.
15. Seeks/participates in educational opportunities to maintain/increase clinical competency.
16. Maintains confidentiality and privacy of residents according to policy.
17. Practices universal precautions and adheres to infection control procedures. Utilizes the Department of Health Infection Control Manual as required.
18. Knowledgeable regarding WHMIS, Fire/Emergency Plan and use of fire equipment. Directs the evacuation of residents in an emergency.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Current registration with CRNNS.
• Current BCLS Certificate.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Good general health which allows for the ability to attend work on a regular basis and meet the physical demands of the position.
• Excellent rapport with the elderly.
• Must have a good attendance record.
• Good personal hygiene.
• Personal police record check clearance and negative Vulnerable Sector Check.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of and appropriate application of the nursing process.
• Able to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively.
• Organized and able to set priorities in a constantly changing work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with residents, family, staff and other members of the health care team.

Accountability:

• Knowledgeable of and implements the mission and values of the Home in the delivery of resident care.
• Knowledgeable of departmental policies and procedures.
• Practices and promotes occupational health and safety.
• Knowledgeable of Protection of Persons in Care Act.

Continuing Education Responsibilities:

• Attends in-services and educational/training sessions for self development.
• Attends compulsory CPR, fire safety and WHMIS training as required.
• Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings.

Hours of Work: Shift rotation - required to work weekends, holidays and all three shifts.