We deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. Our advanced regional programs include Cancer Care and Cardiac Care and serve a broader population across the northern GTA and into Simcoe-Muskoka.
Our team of nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students and Patient and Family Advisors are committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen.
As a recognition of our commitment to quality and patient safety, we have received the highest distinction of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.
Job Summary
The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) role models clinical excellence and the core competencies of the practice standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), as well as the policies and procedures of Southlake Regional Health Centre (Southlake).
The RPN works collaboratively as a member of the health care team. The RPN provides direct patient care to patients as outlined in the College of Nurses of Ontario standard.
These factors have an impact on decision making related to care-provider assignment as well as the need for consultation and collaboration among care providers.
All nurses make a commitment to lifelong learning.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provides patient and family focused care within the RPN scope of practice, based on the three factor framework of the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Functions in accordance with established hospital policies and procedures, including emergency codes.
- Ensures that practice is consistent with entry to practice competencies, standards of practice, guidelines and legislation.
- Communicates effectively with patients, families and all members of the healthcare team.
- Practices collaboratively with Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide elements of care for patients / clients with complex health issues.
- Practices collaboratively with other members of the interprofessional health care team.
- Provides consultation and / or clinical support to peers as needed
- Contributes to the assessment and documentation of each patient's health status on an ongoing basis.
- Assists in the development and implementation of the Plan of Care and evaluates its ongoing effectiveness.
- Assists in the orientation / preceptorship of new staff members and students to the clinical units.
- Acts as a role model and champion to identify and integrate safe, best practices into daily activities to foster the delivery of safe and exemplary care.
- Other duties as assigned by Manager / delegate.
Skills & Abilities
- Able to work 12 hour shifts, evenings, nights, and weekends
- Minimum two years recent acute inpatient mental health experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of and understanding the therapeutic responses, side effects and management of psychotropic medication and providing the patient, family and care givers with appropriate education
- Good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and legislation
- Demonstrated understanding and ability to conduct thorough Mental Status Exam (MSE) and the Columbia Suicide Severity Scale (C-SSRS)
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and provide ongoing risk assessments and identification of risk factors and early changes in patient’s status for self-harm and symptoms of aggression.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and respond immediately to patient reactions by de-escalation and guiding the patients through complex behavior concerns and support the patients with alternatives to seclusion and restraint
- Demonstrated advocacy for resources that increase the patients and families accessibility to mental health supports to improve their community living, exploring all options with the patient, family, care givers and allowing the patient, family, and care givers to make informed choices
- Good working knowledge of Ministry of Health mandated Resident Assessment Inventory (RAI)
- Ability to set priorities and organize work in response to patient / client needs
- Ability to function to the full scope of nursing practice as per the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and continuous quality improvement
- Demonstrated excellence in communication, both written and verbal
- Demonstrated analytical and problem assessment skills
- Demonstrated commitment to patient and family centred care and teamwork
- Demonstrated individual leadership skills
- Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
- Good working knowledge of Electronic Documentation
- Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for patients and families as well as other members of the healthcare team within a challenging and exciting health care environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
- Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Southlake Regional Health Centre.
- Always with compassion
- Power of many
- Serve with purpose
- Every voice matters
Qualifications
- RPN diploma from a recognized school of nursing
- RPN Certificate of Registration, in good standing, from the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Current BLS certification required
- Crisis Intervention Institute Certificate or equivalent violence prevention training required or to be obtained within three months of hire