(RN) Registered Nurse, Pediatric Emergency/Observation Unit - (SMH)

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively with the inter-professional care team in the provision of person-centered care, the Registered Nurse, Pediatrics provides direct patient care by assessing, planning, providing and evaluating nursing care to pediatric patients in a pediatric emergency unit and / or pediatric emergency observation unit.

Responsibilities Conducts a comprehensive nursing assessment of the pediatric patient on admission and at regular intervals.

Assesses patient and collects information from a variety of sources using skills of observation, communication, data review and physical assessment.

Makes a nursing diagnosis of the pediatric patient's condition and determines whether the condition can be improved or resolved by an appropriate nursing intervention.

Identifies risk factors. Plans, performs and evaluates nursing interventions and care. Collaborates with patients and their families / care givers, Physicians and members of the inter-professional care team in the development, implementation and ongoing modification of the care plan.

• Establishes a therapeutic relationship by demonstrating empathy, trust and respect, advocating for the patient / family's rights to privacy, dignity and access to information;
• ensures patient / family's choice and autonomy in decision making and care planning. Participates in the care and discharge planning process for patients on admission;

ensures the care plan is established and implemented effectively; updates care plan and intervenes as appropriate, collaborates with the inter-professional care team to ensure comprehensive care planning and delivery, and collaborates and communicates with the Patient Care Coordinator on issues that affect the care / discharge plan.

Coordinates nursing care for the patient, sets priorities, assigns and delegates tasks to support staff, and makes referrals to the inter-professional care team according to established protocols and practice standards.

Collaborates with members of the inter-professional care team including Physicians, Patient Care Coordinators, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals / providers as required in the identification and resolution of issues, changes in patient condition, and adjustments to care plans.

Provides rapid pediatric assessments in collaboration with Emergency Department staff to facilitate appropriate transfer / treatment and discharge of child / youth from the Emergency Department.

Teaches patients and families / care givers focusing on illness prevention, health restoration and health maintenance to help patients accomplish their health care goals.

Assesses learning needs of the patient and family / care giver; provides information and demonstration of care activities to support self-care and the discharge plan.

Plans and discusses referral information with patient and their families / care givers and, in collaboration with members of the inter-professional care team, initiates referrals to appropriate health care / community agencies.

Documents assessments, nursing diagnosis, observations, interventions, patient / family responses, outcomes / evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.

Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice.

Acts as a preceptor or mentor to guide the clinical experience of assigned new nursing staff and students; promotes the philosophy of family centered care and Best Practice principles;

shares information, demonstrates care activities, and participates in orientation. Participates on designated programs and professional committees, care conferences and councils as assigned, or as agreed to with the Manager.

Provides feedback to the Manager / delegate on the effectiveness of patient care programs, policy / clinical decision support tools (e.

g. clinical pathways, standards of care, order sets and procedures), and equipment. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities;

identifies patient care issues, collects data, provides input / recommendations to the inter-disciplinary team on corrective action, and promotes changes to practices, procedures and protocols.

Reports safety and risk concerns through the Patient Safety Learning System. Participates in research and special projects in collaboration with other members of the inter-professional team;

collects and / or interprets data, and provides input for further analysis as required. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved School of Nursing. Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Two year's recent, related clinical nursing experience in the designated clinical area and completion of post graduate course work and / or certification applicable to the designated clinical area or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities Clinical proficiency in the designated clinical area. Ability to complete initial and ongoing patient assessment (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) and apply pediatric nursing theory and expertise to provide nursing care to pediatric patients through appropriate / prescribed technical, therapeutic, and safety interventions.

Ability to recognize acuity changes. Ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence / evidence informed practice.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families / care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the inter-professional care team using verbal, written and electronic communication means.

Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for patients and families / care giver, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, and patient advocacy.

Ability to integrate and evaluate data from multiple sources to problem-solve effectively. Demonstrated proficiency in initiating Intravenous Therapy and maintenance of Intravenous Therapy.

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a continually changing environment. Ability to work independently and to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the inter-professional care team.

Ability to teach and instruct patients, families / care givers, and community partners on topics essential to their health care and well-being.

Ability to deal with and promote change. Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.