Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Resident Care or Designate

Purpose

The Registered Nurse (RN) participates in the planning, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive nursing care that addresses each resident’s medical, physical, emotional, social, and holistic needs. Care is provided in accordance with applicable legislation, professional standards, and the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of The Northside Community Guest Home.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a working knowledge of the Home’s policies, procedures, and standards, seeking clarification when required.
• Assess, identify, and respond to the holistic care needs of each resident.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by the attending physician or authorized prescriber and in accordance with applicable professional standards and Home policies.
• Observe, document, and report residents’ conditions, reactions, signs, symptoms, and progress.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and update individualized resident care plans.
• Provide direction, supervision, and clinical support to nursing and care staff within the RN’s scope of responsibility.
• Provide direct nursing care and assist other members of the nursing team when required.
• Demonstrate leadership and provide guidance regarding nursing practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Promote continuity of resident care by coordinating referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals and community agencies when necessary.
• Support the effective operation of the resident care unit, including matters relating to housekeeping, recreation programming, and residents’ dietary needs.
• Attend and participate in shift reports and nursing conferences, ensuring the effective exchange of relevant resident information.
• Assist physicians and other authorized healthcare providers with diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions when required.
• Support residents in understanding and participating in their treatment and care plans.
• Collaborate with residents, families, members of the interdisciplinary care team, and other departments to provide comprehensive, resident-centred care.
• Initiate and participate in nursing staff meetings and contribute actively to the nursing team.
• Participate in orientation, continuing education, and in-service education programs.
• Assist with the orientation, education, and mentorship of new employees and students.
• Develop and maintain professional and effective working relationships with residents, families, visitors, employees, attending physicians, and members of the public.
• Promote and maintain a comfortable, orderly, clean, and safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors.
• Participate in and contribute to the development and delivery of healthcare programs within the Home.
• Assist with the performance evaluation of nursing and care staff, as assigned.
• Support the responsible use of resources and participate in appropriate cost-control measures.
• Ensure duties are performed in accordance with the Home’s policies and procedures and provide appropriate direction to staff regarding compliance.
• Encourage professional development, continuous learning, and the enhancement of staff members’ nursing knowledge and experience.
• Maintain resident privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable legislation, professional standards, and Home policies.
• Report incidents, hazards, changes in resident condition, and other concerns promptly and through the appropriate channels.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and as reasonably required for the operation of the Home.

Note: The duties listed above represent the primary requirements of the position. Related duties may be assigned from time to time as necessary for the effective operation of the Home.

Working Conditions

The position involves periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or assisting residents and equipment. The RN works in a healthcare environment that may involve frequent interruptions, changing priorities, exposure to infectious illnesses, and residents who may display responsive or unpredictable behaviours. The position may also require working days, evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays.

Qualifications and Education

• Graduate of an approved nursing education program.
• Current and unrestricted registration, or eligibility for registration, as a Registered Nurse with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN).
• Current CPR certification at the level required by the Home.
• Current WHMIS certification.
• Demonstrated clinical competence and sound nursing judgment.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of gerontology, long-term care, dementia care, and responsive behaviours.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Previous nursing experience in long-term care, gerontology, or a related setting is considered an asset.
• Satisfactory criminal record check and vulnerable sector check, as required by the Home.