Registered Nurse, Respiratory Rehabilitation - New Westminster

Detailed Overview

The Registered Nurse (RN) works in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to educate individuals with a chronic respiratory disease using the Chronic Disease Management Model and adult education principles with evidence based best practice strategies.

The RN meets the educational needs of the patients using methods such as assessing, planning and implementing teaching strategies in group sessions for the patient's needs and evaluates the outcomes of this education and quality of life issues using industry recognized standard measuring tools.

Participates in research clinical trials as required. Responsibilities Prepares program lesson plans with other healthcare professionals applying the self-management skills within the chronic disease management model and adult education principles, and using evidence based best practice guidelines of Respiratory Rehabilitation Medicine.

Identifies patient / family learning needs and delivers education and counselling to groups and or individuals in order to prevent respiratory complications and to maintain or improve quality of life.

Conducts program exercise classes to improve the respiratory patient's exercise tolerance. Recognizes the existence of co-morbidities, monitors and evaluates the patient's response to the exercise, and responds to emergency situations according to hospital protocols.

Completes direct patient care activities by physical assessments, reviewing diagnostic information and determining the psychosocial needs of the patient and family members who are living with chronic disease.

Identifies and evaluates changes in patient's health status by performing tests such as Exercise Oximetry, reviewing pulmonary function test, ABG, ECG, and other laboratory results, and obtaining patient's own perception of changes in their health.

Develops a plan of care based on assessment findings which would include identifying short and long term patient goals. Implements the care plan through teaching the patient and their families about normal versus abnormal respiratory function, medication and inhaler techniques, improve breath control, building exercise routines and provides coping skills in patient self-management to facilitate improved quality of life for patients living with chronic respiratory disease.

Participates in providing observational education and exercise sessions of the clinic to healthcare students, pharmaceutical representatives, and other healthcare professionals and provides them with educational resource materials as needed.

Collaborates with other respiratory rehabilitation team members on the development of the Respiratory Clinic Programs' standards and protocols;

contributes to the ongoing development / revision of educational resources such as the clinic's patient education manuals, exercise videos / DVDs, and education pamphlets.

Actively seeks and maintains knowledge of current developments in respiratory medicine through methods such as reviewing relevant literature, attending conferences, workshops, and in-services, as well as consulting and networking with other healthcare professionals, and provincial, national and international professional respiratory agencies.

Participates in clinic research trials in conjunction with the principle investigator, sponsor company, and the study coordinator by understanding research principles as per the 'Declaration of Helsinki' and Good Clinical Guidelines following research protocols, searching databases for study participants, and completing required documentation.

Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved School of Nursing, three years' recent related experience and demonstrated clinical competence in teaching groups of patients and allied healthcare professionals using the Chronic Disease Management Model, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Currently has a recognized post basic clinical training or education courses in the principles of Chronic Disease Management education and / or in Respiratory Rehabilitation education.

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrates the ability to teach groups and individuals using Chronic disease management - patient self management principles.

Demonstrates the ability to plan, organize and implement teaching lessons, and measures outcomes using industry standard tools.

Demonstrates the ability to use computer skills such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook programs. Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to be self-directed with sound decision making in an independent manner. Ability to develop interpersonal relationship skills with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary team and function as a nursing resource for Respiratory Rehabilitation Medicine.

Ability to participate in Research Clinical Trials. Physical ability to perform and lead Exercise sessions. Ability to operate related equipment.