Registered Practical Nurse - Kapuskasing

KEY FUNCTION:

Collaborate with the Registered Nurse (RN) to provide safe hemodialysis treatment for patients with End Stage Renal Disease.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Satellites, Clinics, Home Dialysis & RRP Clinical Quality Improvement.

DUTIES:

1. Perform machine run ups in assigned patient pod area prior to patient arrival including disinfection conductivity machine checks as evidenced by the electronic record as required.
2. Provide care for a full patient assignment of the stable hemodialysis patients.
3. Autonomously care for hemodialysis patients with predictable outcomes/responses and with less complex needs.
4. Work alongside RN at all times and collaborate to utilize the three (3) factor framework: Complexity, Predictability and Risk of Negative Outcomes to guide decision making.
5. In case of hypotension, check vital signs and minimum ultrafiltration (UF), initiate normal saline infusion procedure and immediately call the RN for further intervention as evidenced by the electronic record.
6. Prepare all dialysate for hemodialysis treatments including the spiking with additives as required.
7. Perform disinfection at end of day post all dialysis treatments as per unit protocol.
8. Assess patients’ vitals and pre/post dialysis weights and chart electronically.
9. Initiate oxygen therapy as ordered.
10. Change simple dressings using aseptic technique as evidenced by the electronic record.
11. Perform order entry and lab data retrieval in the Meditech System (i.e. complete order entry for weekly bloodwork orders for patients) and prepare monthly and daily lab work bags for bloodwork collection.
12. Assist in the patient care area during high activity times (initiation and discontinuation of dialysis).
13. Administer oral medications and any subcutaneous injections in collaboration with the RN as evidenced by the medical record.
14. Complete visual checks on patients and assist with hourly checks as evidenced by the electronic record.
15. Assist in the coordination of booking patients’ annual tests as per physician orders.
16. Maintain water system and switch from Reverse Osmosis (RO) water to Deionized Water (DI) system as required.
17. Report any faulty equipment to proper sources and remove equipment until repaired.
18. Rotate spare machines to ensure they are not sitting idle.
19. Participate as part of the multidisciplinary team.
20. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
21. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
22. Participate in hospital training as required.
23. Assist with improvement initiatives as required.
24. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

1. Minimum of a two (2) year diploma in Practical Nursing from an approved School of Nursing with a current certificate of competence with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
2. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certificate required.
3. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of one (1) year experience working as an RPN in a health care environment.
2. Relevant experience working within full scope of practice, including medication administration, within the last two (2) years.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic techniques.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of hospital codes and role in each situation.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast paced environment in stressful situations.
4. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and co-operatively with all levels of staff, patients, physicians, volunteers and the public.
5. Demonstrated professional working knowledge of all equipment used in the delivery of patient care.
6. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Hospital Association/Ontario Medical Association Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols.
7. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software, e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook and patient information systems.
8. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Ability to prioritize tasks.
10. Demonstrated compliance with HSN’s privacy policy.
11. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
5. Demonstrated positive work record and excellent attendance record.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and employees.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.