Community Health Nurse (Nurse IV)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Health Nurse is an integral member of a collaborative, interdisciplinary primary health care team. Guided by the principles of primary health care, the Community Health Nurse provides comprehensive care to individuals, families and communities with an emphasis on healthy living, illness prevention, health education, chronic disease management, case management, and clinical intervention within Prairie Mountain Health region.

The Community Health Nurse may practice in a variety of settings, including a mobile clinic, primary health care centre, temporary clinics in community settings, and / or within a primary care or physician clinic.

The focus is on a shared client population with one or more nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, and other primary care providers in a collaborative primary care practice model.

Depending upon the needs of the community, the incumbent may be responsible for health protection.

The Nurse IV recognizes and fulfills their professional responsibilities by practicing in a manner consistent with professional obligations to take actions as per the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses, The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses, the scope of practice as defined by the Registered Nurses Act, and other Provincial and Federal legislation.

RESPONSIBILITIES : Overview :

Overview :

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with clients, communities, colleagues and managers across programs and services.
• Applies the nursing process by : assessing the needs of clients, families, groups and communities considering the determinants of health, age and developmental stage, physical and psycho-social health status;

analyzing, developing and implementing a plan of care; and evaluating outcomes based on professional judgement and skills to guide decision-making for the delivery of client care / services through various methods.

• Conducts screenings and risk assessments as per clinical practice guidelines.
• Provides care that is culturally competent and respectful of diversity (eg. economic and social status, race, culture, belief systems, sexuality).
• Identifies, and within the scope of nursing practice and organizational policy, manages acute and chronic illnesses and conditions affecting children, youth and adults;

supports disease prevention (eg. immunization, safer sex practices); and identifies common developmental milestones.

• Reviews client medications in accordance with regional policy.
• Identifies and addresses client learning needs and readiness.
• Employs health promotion, health education and harm reduction strategies to support behavioural changes conducive to health (eg.

smoking cessation, physical activity, healthy eating and mental wellbeing) jointly with the client, defining and incorporating these strategies into the health plan.

• Practices as a member of a collaborative inter-disciplinary team.
• Supports the client in self-management of chronic disease.
• Encourages maximum independence and accountability for self-care according to the client’s capacity.
• Acquires and maintains a comprehensive understanding of health / social services and referral processes including : diagnostic services, specialists, hospital care, rehabilitation and support programs, education programs and community based health services and agencies;

refers clients and / or coordinates services as required.

• Responds appropriately in crisis situations.
• Prioritizes workload effectively.
• Completes documentation and administrative requirements as required.
• Protects the confidentiality of information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Act.
• Monitors and orders necessary supplies and medications.
• Ensures clinical equipment is in working order and addresses any malfunctions or deficits.
• Participates in the orientation and training of new staff.
• Provides supervision, mentorship, orientation and teaching opportunities to students, ensuring that program goals and objectives are met.
• May be asked to assist other programs in accordance with provincial protocols and regional policies and procedures (eg.

Public Health Nursing, Home Care, Mental Health).

• Participates in research activities and utilizes results in evidence-informed practice.
• Informs manager of any unsafe acts, working conditions, incidents, near misses, injuries or illnesses, workload issues, issues of a political nature or media interest.
• As required based on community needs, provides Public Health Nursing services :
• Provides care to individuals, families and communities across the lifespan within the context of the health of the larger community
• Carries out mandated communicable disease programs
• Provides direction and support to Community Health Workers working in outlying communities.

As per CRNM Authorized Prescriber (RN (AP))

25. Prescribes drugs relevant to the specific population (as outlined in the schedule) in accordance with relevant provincial and federal standards and legislation, as well as evidence informed decision making

26. Orders specific screening and diagnostic tests (as outlined in the schedule) relevant to their area of practice and client population in accordance with all relevant federal and provincial legislation standards, as well as evidence informed decision making.

27. Other duties as assigned.