Job Description

Division

Long Term Care Homes

About Us

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses. Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Resident Care and in keeping with the philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of Seniors Services, provide professional nursing care to residents/clients and offer direction and assistance to Personal Support Workers (PSWs). In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, practice in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, Long-Term Care Homes Act, and the standards set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Facilitate interdisciplinary, resident/client/family-centred care to achieve desired quality of life outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Current certificate of competence for Registered Practical Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Current certificate in CPR.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three months of current (within the last 3 years) experience in a long-term care setting.
• Current (within the last 3 years) experience in administration of medications.
• Knowledge of resident/client safety issues and demonstrated capacity to apply resident/client safety practices and required nursing interventions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Long-Term Care Homes Act.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Residents’ Bill of Rights.
• Training in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) preferred.
• Training in P.I.E.C.E.S. (Physical. Intellectual. Emotional. Capabilities. Environment. Social.) preferred.
• Infection Control certificate preferred.
• Certification on MDS (Minimum Data Set) RAI (Resident Assessment Instrument) is an asset.
• Computer proficiency and ability to use nursing-related applications.

SKILLS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership abilities.
• Interest, compassion, respect, and patience in their work with cognitively impaired residents/clients and their families.
• Flexibility and resourcefulness in achieving resident/client quality of life outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, planning, and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to resident- and family-centred care.
• Ability to work well on a team and independently.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Current registration with the CNO.
• Good attendance record.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of the job.
• Ability to establish an excellent rapport with vulnerable adults.
• Submission of a Vulnerable Sector Check (includes a Criminal Record Check) that is less than 6 months old from date of hire.
• External personal liability insurance, as required by the CNO.
• Must be able and available to work all shifts, weekends, and statutory holidays, as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communication/Information Sharing

• Provide nursing care and assessments in accordance with the policies and procedures at the Regional Municipality of Niagara, particularly the Seniors Services Division, as well as the Practice Standards/Practices of the College of Nurses Standards.

• Communicate with families and service providers in a professional, courteous manner.

• Keep the RN informed of any changes or concerns identified and provide recommendations on all aspects of residents’/clients’ care.

• Attend the Registered Staff Meeting and other nursing and interdisciplinary committees.

• Ensure that all e-mails and memos are communicated to the unit staff.

• Communicate effectively to all staff and ensure continuity of care by reporting and updating daily 24-hour unit report.

• Assist in the investigation, documentation, resolution, and reporting of complaints and incidents.

• Participate in post admission, team conferences, and rounds; initiate and update Resident Care Plan; and ensure resident/client care is administered according to the Care Plan. Encourage PSW attendance at rounds and post admission/team conferences as applicable.

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team, including RNs, PSWs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and community stakeholders.

Leadership

• Provide, facilitate, advocate, and promote the best possible care for residents/clients.

• Provide direction to PSWs at the start of the shift and throughout the shift, receive reports from PSWs and RNs, and report changes in resident condition to RNs as required.

• Assist with the orientation of family, residents, and staff on the unit.

• Provide mentorship to new hires and students within the homes.

• Utilize leadership skills to identify and address problems on the unit.

• Use conflict resolution strategies to promote healthy relationships and optimal outcomes.

• Delegate duties to the PSWs and monitor for follow-up and completion.

Quality/Risk Management

• Maintain accurate and complete clinical records and computerized documentation and assessments. Document any change in condition in the resident’s/client’s progress notes in a timely manner. Refer to appropriate expert (e.g., Resident and Family Support Worker, Recreationist, etc.) for follow-up.

• Complete timely shift documentation and weekly MDS-RAI assignments.

• Update resident care plans and assessments in accordance with the CNO standards and Ministry of Health directives.

• Assist with completing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) related activities, including completing inspection protocols and participating in core program committees and/or quality committees.

• Review changes in policies and attend scheduled in-services as required to maintain competence relative to standards of nursing practice and in accordance with Seniors Services policies and procedures.

Professional

• Maintain competence relative to the Practice Standards/Practices of the College of Nurses and remain current in the knowledge of pertinent legislation (e.g., Long-Term Care Homes Act, regulations under the Act, Ontario Narcotics Act, and Regulated Health Professions Act). Maintain current knowledge about trends and issues that impact the resident, RPN, healthcare team, and the delivery of health services.

• Actively support the mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives and programs of Seniors Services.

• Recognize and report any high-risk practices to the RN.

• Implement mitigation strategies that promote safe care by engaging in evidence-informed practices and considering a variety of relevant sources of information.

Professional Values and Ethics

• Protect the rights of the resident and families in matters such as confidentiality, privacy, beliefs, dignity, and values.

• Ensure a safe and secure home for the resident.

• Report ethical issues to the DRC/ADRC and participate in ethics meetings.
  
  Unit-Level Activities and Clinical Coordination

• Implement procedures for admission, discharge, and internal transfers of residents/clients and complete required documentation.

• Administer medication, wound care, and treatments in accordance with Seniors Services policies and procedures and within the scope of CNO standards of practice and policies of the Pharmacy provider. Report all errors and omissions of medication or treatment.

• Advise the resident, or the resident’s substitute decision maker (SDM), when there is any change to the plan of care. Assess changes in health status and report changes to the resident/SDM and interdisciplinary team.

• Review daily activity and entertainment schedule and encourage residents/clients to attend, based on personal preferences, and assist with transportation, as able.

• Process physician’s orders, quarterly reviews of eMARS and eTARS, where applicable.

• Assist with meal service and other unit-related activities.

• Maintain clinical records, including discharged charts, in proper order. Purge and file as necessary and in accordance with record retention and related policies and procedures.

• Keep up-to-date on all equipment and technology being used in the department and promote safe use. Promote proper care and control of resident/client care equipment and proper cleaning after use, in accordance with cleaning schedules (e.g., wheelchairs, fridges, commodes).

• Direct clinical practice on the unit.

• Update care plan as needed.

• Complete assessments and develop a plan of care for each resident in collaboration with the residents and/or SDM and the interdisciplinary team.

• Complete and pass annual AIS (Assessment and Intelligence System) testing to ensure compliance with Ministry standards.

• Maintain clean and stocked medication rooms, medication carts, and work areas.

• Implement Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) practices including resident isolation, resident swabbing, and specimen collection.

• Prepare paperwork and resident for appointments when leaving the building.

• Assist residents with daily routine and functions (e.g. bathing, dressing and undressing, toileting, etc.) as required.

Responsibilities to Heath and Safety

• Participate in emergency preparedness drills and respond to emergency situations (e.g. fire, evacuation, missing resident, etc.).

• Attend all mandatory health and safety training sessions.

• Report hazards to the RN and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC).

• Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Promptly report personal injury to immediate supervisor and seek first aid as needed.

• Aware of the employee’s responsibilities and follow all Health and Safety policies and procedures, including those related to COVID-19 policies, safe working practices, and outbreak protocols.
  
  General

• Carry out all duties with appropriate attention for resident/client safety.

• Complete other duties as assigned by RN, DRC and/or delegate.

Other Conditions

RPN shifts include days, evenings or nights shifts including weekends and holidays. This posting gives you the opportunity to be considered for future vacancies within Niagara Region’s 8 Long-Term Care Homes. As positions become available, we will review the applications and contact selected candidates for an interview.

Other Conditions

Successful applicants will have one primary home location and also have the opportunity to work in our other long term care facilities listed below:

• Gilmore Lodge - Fort Erie
• Northland Pointe - Port Colborne
• Rapelje Lodge - Welland
• Woodlands of Sunset - Welland
• Linhaven - St.Catharines
• Upper Canada Lodge - Niagara on the lake
• Deer Park Villa - Grimsby
• Meadows of Dorchester - Niagara Falls

Conditions of offer include:

• obtaining a vulnerable sector police clearance that is less than 6 months old from date of hire
• satisfactory completion of Mantoux Baseline 1 and 2 Clearance (or chest x-ray)
• satisfactory completion of a physical assessment

In order to be employed in our seniors division or any long term care facility, you must possess a current vulnerable sector police clearance that is less than 6 months old. Although it is at the candidate's discretion, it is encouraged that you obtain a vulnerable sector police clearance due to the length of process time.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department