Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) reports to the Director of Care and works in harmony with Hospice Niagara's philosophy of care as a contributing member of an inter disciplinary team, oversees the residence care team on each shift and provides direct care to residents. The RN promotes nursing excellence and quality palliative end-of-life care within their scope of practice and in accordance with the standards of practice as outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The RN is responsible for assessing and anticipating holistic needs of the residents; planning, documentting and implementing care plans; and making recommendations for changes in care, as needed. The RN also provides ongoing comfort and support to residents and their loved ones.

The RN performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara's policies and procedures, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Nursing Care

Perform patient-centered nursing care (e.g. Central Venous Access Devices, catheterization, suctioning, drain maintenance, colostomies, tube feeds, CADD pumps, assistive devices, wound care, etc.)
Consult with residents, loved ones, and/or the substitute decision maker regarding needs, wishes, and preferences for care
Recognize, assess and respond to resident pain and symptom management, as well as health status changes, and communicate updates to inter-disciplinary team
Administer medications according to safe medication practices and professional practice standards
Implement medical interventions (e.g. medications, treatments, supplies, equipment, etc.), according to the physician’s orders
Advocate and promote best practice care for each resident
Effectively work to address and document resident concerns, mental and physical changes and provide ongoing updates to inter-disciplinary team
Develop and update care plans
Lead team rounds during shift changes
Manage the admission process
Seek consultation with internal/external care team members, as appropriate
Coordinate additional services, as needed

Transfers and Lifts

Assist residents requiring help to move from one area to another, according to the determined safe method per their care plan, including the use of mechanical lifts
Assist with ambulation, range of motion and other exercises

Post-mortem Care

Provide care of the body after death
Gather personal belongings and provide them to family/loved ones, when required

Therapeutic Relationships

Establish a rapport and foster open communication, positive relationships and emotional support with residents and their loved ones
Identify when additional support is required and collaborate with inter-disciplinary team members to ensure these needs are met

Communications and Leadership

The RN fulfills the role of the “Charge Nurse” during which time he/she is responsible for all aspects of resident care, building safety, and supervision of staff, with the support of an on-call physician, Director of Care, or other RN
Serve as a positive role model to other staff, students and volunteers
Provide education, guidance, mentoring and knowledge sharing using a team-oriented approach
Provide ongoing input and feedback during team reports/meetings
Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations
Complete documentation and reports in an accurate and time-sensitive manner
Educate residents and their loved ones on the safety, techniques and rationale for care, per best practice and safety guidelines
Identify, provide input and actively participate in process improvement opportunities
Assist with managing the residence staff schedule in a financially responsible manner
Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning; participate in educational and development opportunities, as determined by the individual development plan
Raise positive community awareness of hospice palliative care and of the programs and services provided by Hospice Niagara
Demonstrate personal initiative and participation in other aspects of working for a non-profit organization, including participating in organizational events and fundraising activities
Participate on at least one internal committee or project (e.g. Wellness, Health and Safety, etc.)
Report any contravention of health and safety policies or regulations

Other Duties

Activities of daily living
Housekeeping activities (e.g. laundry, garbage disposal, cleaning common areas, etc.)
Meal preparation, delivery and feeding
Other duties, as assigned

Skills & Attributes

Bilingual (French/English) is a requirement
Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to develop and strengthen teams
Highly developed inter-personal, problem solving and conflict management skills
Demonstrated focus on person-centred care
Clear understanding and commitment to ethics, as they relate to hospice palliative care
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset)
Demonstrated organizational, critical thinking and prioritization skills
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including physicians, pharmacists, CCAC, allied health care providers, etc.
Proficiency in data entry and computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word and the Internet
Flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
Effectively set appropriate boundaries and understand the limitations of volunteers in client care
Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
Demonstrate a healthy adjustment to loss and exercise ongoing self-care

Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience

Graduate of an RN program, RN license; registrant in good standing with the CNO
At least two years of palliative care work experience (preferred)
Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed during the first year of hire)
Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education (CAPCE) (preferred, must be completed during the first two years of hire)
Learning Essentials of Advanced Palliative Care (LEAP) (considered an asset)
Canadian Nurses’ Association CHPCN(c) (considered an asset)

Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favourable, within past 12 months)
Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
First Aid/CPR (preferred, must be taken within 12 months of hire)
Mask Fit (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
Safe Food Handling (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)

Evaluation

Ongoing observation and feedback
Annual performance assessment and discussion; individual development planning

Please note that Hospice Niagara requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Hospice Niagara.

Hospice Niagara

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