At Ottawa Inner City Health (OICH), we do health care differently. It’s part of who we are. We are a nurse-led, trauma-informed organization working on the front-lines of homelessness and mental health. We work in the margins- the grey area- with clients experiencing complex trauma, mental illness, and substance use challenges. Our approach is hands-on, harm reduction focused, relationship-driven, and rooted in human dignity.
We are currently seeking one (1) Full Time Nurse Coordinator who is passionate about health care equity and who is not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty.
Why this role matters:As a Nurse Coordinator, you will be managing the health care of clients of the Ottawa Inner City Health Inc living in supportive housing, shelter and through outreach to clients without housing. The roles includes engaging clients in a therapeutic relationship, assessing the clients’ needs, referring clients for admission, assisting clients to complete the admissions process, organizing a suitable plan of care, coordinating care activities and monitoring compliance with the care plan.
The Nurse Coordinator is a member of an interdisciplinary teams and also provides support and leadership to RPNs and Client Care Workers working in their programs and collaborates with partner organization staff (shelter and supportive housing) to ensure the highest possible quality of care to clients of Ottawa Inner City Health.
As a Nurse Coordinator, you will lead the provision of clinical care to clients who receive their health care through Ottawa Inner City Health. You will: - Build therapeutic, trust-based relationships with clients navigating homelessness and health challenges and providing information to clients about OICH so they are fully informed about services prior to applying for admission.
- Complete comprehensive assessments of the needs of the clients using a holistic approach with special emphasis on the health, housing and social services needed.
- Facilitate the process of obtaining informed consent so that clients can participate in their own health care.
- With the consent of the client, initiate the admission process and ensures that the documentation required is completed in a timely manner.
- Assessment and screening of health status as per admission form including screening and follow-up of infectious diseases.
- Create individualized, trauma-informed care plans in collaboration with clients and interdisciplinary teams, including OICH staff and external service providers.
- Operate within a harm reduction modality while supporting the provision of care which does not jeopardize the safety of clients, staff or other participants in the program.
- Provide clinical leadership to support front-line client care workers and nursing students working within their program by modelling trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices and assuring adherence to the policies, procedures and practices of the OICH and partner agencies.
- Advocating on behalf of clients and the program so that they receive services to which they are entitled.
- Monitor health status of clients and takes appropriate action to meet changing needs.
- Monitor implementation of care plans, ensure clients’ voices guide every decision and transition
- Communicate the wishes of the client to other members of the health care team and the client’s family and friends.
- Submits report to Ottawa Public Health as required.
- Record client information in accordance with the operational policies, including compliance with PHIPA.
- Work with equity-seeking communities to create more accessible and equitable healthcare for all.
- Participate in ongoing data collection, evaluation, and research to strengthen our programs and report to funders.
- Alert senior managers (the OICH Management and Partner / Shelter Managers) of issues of concern especially those which impact on liability, staff or client safety.
- Keep current and abreast of new developments within the care of homeless persons and persons requiring palliative care services.
- Practice in accordance to the CNA Code of Conduct and Ethics.
- Following one-year of service, participate in Nurse-on-Call rotation with other Nurse Coordinators.
Qualifications: - Current license as an RN in the province of Ontario with the College of Nurses.
- 2-5 years’ RN experience working with the homeless or other vulnerable populations.
- Good knowledge of mental health and addictions.
- Demonstrated competence in clinical nursing practice related to the care of adult homeless persons.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills in English, French is an asset.
- Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically, demonstrated ability to teach, consult and negotiate.
- Possess the confidence to adopt an independent practice model of care delivery, be a self-learner and self-directed.
- Understand how to apply harm reduction strategies in the clinical setting.
- Act effectively in situations of profound loss, and suffering and with individuals who chose to live at risk.
- Familiarity and comfort with computer software such as EMR, email, word documents and spreadsheets.
- Must have own vehicle or reliable transportation to attend various OICH programs around the City.
- Maintain up to date vaccinations.
- Current BLS/AED certification.
Ottawa Inner City Health welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
A current Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required.
Applications accepted at: https://ottawainnercityhealth.applytojobs.ca/health care/48738.
