Registered Practical Nurse

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Woodingford Lodge
Reports to: Registered Staff
Effective Date: December 14, 1999
Positions Supervised: 0
Revised Date: August 2022

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, administers medications and treatments, assesses, documents and assists with resident care, and reviews, updates and evaluates resident care plans. Possesses the ability and the passion to support person centred care, and change the culture of aging in long term care.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Accountable for own actions to the College of Nurses.
2. Follows all Practitioners orders, receiving and transcribing verbal and written orders. Communicates orders to Pharmacy, receives and signs medication delivered from Pharmacy. Works with Practitioner and Dietician to ensure nutritional needs of residents are met.
3. Administer medications in accordance with College of Nurses standards.
4. Maintains up to date Nursing Care Plan in conjunction with Multi-Disciplinary Team.
5. Assists with PSW and student training, as well as family and volunteer orientation.
6. Assists in maintaining a physical and psycho-social environment which meets the needs of residents. Provides personal care to residents as needed.
7. Performs specialized procedures such as blood glucose, suctioning, inserting subcutaneous buttons, postural drainage, collection of a broad spectrum of specimens (stool, urine, sputum, nasal, wound), providing colostomy care and diabetic nail care.
8. Catheterizes residents using sterile technique, changes catheter as per physicians orders, irrigates catheter as required, removing as ordered and responsible for super pubic catheter care.
9. Performs treatments as ordered and initiates and assists with CPR if appropriate.
10. Follows Woodingford Lodge Policy and Procedure Manual (i.e. admission/discharge, death care protocol). Attends in-services and educational programs as assigned. Demonstrates a high level of professionalism at all times when dealing with internal and external contacts, such as Practitioner, family, visitors and staff.
11. Maintains good communication with all levels of staff, which would include, but is not limited to, reading and reviewing unit and individual e-mails at the beginning of each scheduled shift.
12. Completes accurate assessments of residents as required (i.e. initial assessment, lift and transfer, skin wound). Evaluates problem behaviours and implements plan of care in dealing with physically and verbally abusive individuals, maintaining safety of resident, staff and self.
13. Makes appointments with doctor/specialist and arranges transportation as necessary for residents with family or volunteer. Communicates with pharmacists and physiotherapists regarding resident needs.
14. Completes requisition forms, transfer sheets, surveillance forms, incident reports and other forms as required.
15. Stocks and cleans med rooms, treatment and med carts, checks for outdates and reorders as necessary. Maintains and utilizes emergency med box as necessary. 
16. Responsible for resident and staff safety by ensuring building security.
17. Ensures proper application of restraints, evaluating need and documentation as per established policy.
18. Knowledge of precautions in dealing with communicable diseases and disposal/exposure to body fluids to ensure staff and resident safety.
19. Capable of meeting multiple work demands, adjusting plan of care to maintain continuity in the environment to meet the rapid unexpected changes and continues to meet deadlines.
20. Responsible to maintain accurate nurses notes on every shift, and provide shift report.
21. Completion of RAI MDS requirements as scheduled and assigned.
22. Provide person and family centred care to support physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the resident.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.
24. Reviews the Environment Canada website for any weather related advisories and follows appropriate severe weather procedures prior to each shift.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A Registered Nurse with a current license from the applicable licensing authority.
2. Current CPR certificate.
3. Drug Administration Certificate.
4. Ability to operate office equipment, such as a fax machine and photocopier, as well as possess basic computer skills..