Job Description: Primary Care Nurse

Position Title: Primary Care Nurse
Location: Lake Road Family Medicine
Reports To: All physicians
Employment Type: Part-time (3 days/week)

Job Summary:
The Primary Care Nurse will play a vital role in delivering comprehensive health care services. This role involves assessment and follow-up of a variety of common presentations to primary care. It will involve providing or assisting with tasks such as conducting well-baby visits, administering immunizations, providing prenatal care, performing mental health & geriatric assessments (MMSE/MOCA), conducting ear syringing, and performing cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, and assisting with in-office procedures. The nurse may also perform initial patient assessments and/or independent assessments and management of minor issues within their scope of practice and follow up on diagnostic investigations as appropriate. The nurse will also provide counselling to patients within their scope.

Key Responsibilities:

• Well-Baby Visits:
  • Conduct thorough assessments of infants, monitor growth and development, and provide parental guidance.
• Immunizations:
  • Administer routine and seasonal vaccines, ensuring patient records are up-to-date.
• Prenatal Care:
  • Support expecting mothers by providing prenatal education, monitoring fetal development, and addressing concerns.
• Mental Health Assessments:
  • Conduct MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) to evaluate cognitive function.
  • Provide mental health counseling to patients as appropriate within skill set
• Follow-Up on Investigations:
  • Review diagnostic results, communicate findings to patients, and collaborate with physicians for follow-up care.
• Patient Immunization Records:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date immunization records for all patients.
• Flu Shots:
  • Administer seasonal influenza vaccinations, particularly during flu season.
• Ear Syringing:
  • Perform ear syringing procedures to clear blockages and improve hearing.
• Liquid Nitrogen Procedures:
  • Conduct minor procedures using liquid nitrogen, such as treating warts and skin lesions.
• Patient Assessments:
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments, document findings, and develop care plans in collaboration with the care team.
  • Continuing Care of Chronic Diseases
  • Assist with routine monitoring and follow up of patients with chronic health issues (such as diabetes and COPD).

Qualifications:Education: Registered Nurse (RN) qualification with an active nursing license.
Experience: Previous experience in primary care or a similar setting is preferred. Additional experience in pediatrics, prenatal care, geriatrics, and/or mental health or other patient counselling would be considered an asset.
Skills:

• Proficient in administering immunizations and conducting patient assessments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a healthcare team.
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changes in practice.
• Knowledge of prenatal care, cognitive assessments (MMSE/MOCA)