HOSPICE PRINCE EDWARD FOUNDATION (HPEF)
POSITION: Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse
REPORTS TO: Program & Services Director
STATUS: Full Time or Casual, as scheduled to provide 24/7 coverage. On call hours for evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays as required.
Probation period: 6 months
Staff evaluation will be conducted annually, anniversary date: March 31
This role is key to the positive presence of Hospice within the County and as such requires that the nurse be a positive role model, excellent communicator and be pro-active in identifying needs of clients and their families and providing solutions to meet the needs. The nurse will participate in and contribute to staff meetings as available. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. The individual must possess a belief in and commitment to furthering the goals and development of the Hospice.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE and DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Current Registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
LEAP or CAPCE trained (or commitment to pursue)
Current Standard First Aid – BLS Provider
Minimum 2 years experience with clients and their families in end-of-life care
Experience in community nursing, palliative care, wound care therapy and other specialities are an asset
Demonstrated experience with pain and symptom management
Ability to function in a leadership role
Experience functioning in an interdisciplinary team environment
Requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to read and interpret documents
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to work autonomously and in isolation
Possesses excellent time management skills accompanied by flexibility
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assessment
Provides initial and ongoing assessment and interpretation of clients within the framework of holistic, hospice palliative care professional nursing practice, and in accordance with the principles of client and family centered care.
Assesses and interprets information and data regarding the client’s culture and values system, lifestyle, and interest and ability to participate in their care, and other factors impacting successful treatment outcomes.
In collaboration with the client or family identifies patient or family emotional, physical, spiritual and social needs based on analysis of data.
Identifies and communicates client or family needs to the interdisciplinary health care team and other providers of care as appropriate.
Provides ongoing monitoring of the client’s or family’s response to intervention; identifies deviations from expected outcomes and assesses change in patient status.
Planning
Develops, coordinates and updates an individualized plan of care, based on evidence, in collaboration with the client and their family, the interdisciplinary health care team and other providers of care promoting continuity of care across the continuum.
Prioritizes nursing interventions to achieve desired client outcomes and goals.
Develops and coordinates a comprehensive plan of care to meet the client’s and their families’ needs, in a way that fosters trust, respect, collaboration and innovation.
Provide privacy during personal care giving and when the client requests privacy alone with family or visitors.
Intervention
Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with client or families.
Identifies, initiates and coordinates therapeutic interventions consistent with the legislated scope of practice and level of competence.
Implements prescribed interventions (e.g. medications and treatments) and performs independent nursing interventions.
Ensures the implementation, coordination and ongoing evaluation of the client care plan.
Consults with the interdisciplinary team and other care providers to discuss changes related to client status, and modifies interventions.
Interprets medical information including diagnosis and treatment plans to patient or client and responds to patient or client questions and concerns.
Provides information and instruction to assist clients and families to understand stages at end of life, health care practices and processes.
Utilizes educational material to support client’s understanding of their condition, health care, and the enhancement of their individual well being.
Liaises with other providers in the community to transition care if appropriate.
Performs the cleaning of rooms and common areas as per infection control standards.
Evaluation
Utilizes data obtained from the patient or client and their family and other health care providers to evaluate the plan of care including the patient or client’s responses to interventions and achievement of expected outcomes.
Supervises and evaluates care provided by direct care assistive and support staff.
Checks the Medication Administration Records Daily for accuracy.
Monitors and maintains a safe and healthy environment.
Uses data and evidence based on best practice to evaluate nursing activities and interventions.
Documents complete, accurate and relevant data for every client according to Hospice Prince Edward policies and ensures that medical information/records are kept private and confidential, discussing medical information only with those within the direct circle of care.
Keeps Manager or designate informed of issues that arise in the Hospice, steps taken to resolve the issues and any further action that is required.
Advocacy
Provides a supportive environment for communications and decision making by clients and their families.
Advocates for and supports the principles of client and family centered care, and the client’s rights and well being.
Assists client and families, to become aware of issues relevant to their needs and provides information on resources and services within the health care system.
Recognizes trends in health care needs within palliative care, and involves the client in planning mutually expected outcomes where possible and appropriate.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of legislation dealing with clients’ rights and responsibilities in health care.
Demonstrates knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and rights of other nurses and other health care professionals.
Has knowledge of and abides by all policies and procedures as set forth in the Policy and Procedure manual of Hospice Prince Edward.
Seeks guidance when needed.
Professional Development and Accountability
Practices within professional, legal and ethical standards and is accountable for his or her own actions and decisions at all times.
Demonstrates professionalism in attitude, dress and behavior.
Contributes to positive team functioning and supporting one another.
Develops cultural competence in order to provide culturally competent care.
Actively participates in developing and evaluating professional goals and performance at regular intervals.
Provides housekeeping and home-making support as required.
Role models the principles of continuous quality improvement by critical reflection of own practice, seeking meaningful feedback from peers, clients and manager.
Accountable for reporting professional practice issues according to the CNO legislation and standards of practice.
Professional Leadership, Education and Research
Supports the philosophy, vision and mission of Hospice Prince Edward.
Participates in the development and revision of standards of care, policies and procedures.
Participates in and supports organizational or professional committees and in activities related to professional practice, quality improvement and patient safety.
Promotes a safe work environment by identifying and resolving potential risk issues.
Demonstrates an awareness of organizational needs by participating in the establishment of priorities, the management of resources, and in modifying the environment to meet changing needs.
Functions as a change agent by thinking reflectively, questioning assumptions, assessing alternatives, and supporting change.
Identifies and participates in problem or conflict resolution utilizing appropriate strategies, processes and procedures.
Guides clinical learning experiences as a preceptor for students and staff as assigned and supports the orientation of new staff and students to the Hospice by sharing his or her nursing knowledge and contributing to a supportive learning environment.
Participates in developing and utilizing research-based strategies to improve the outcomes of practice.
Accepts responsibility for continuing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs, research and continuous quality programs.
Accepts administrative responsibilities as assigned and accepts responsibility for resource management within all areas of responsibility.