Nurse Practitioner

KEY FUNCTION: 

Work in collaboration with the Primary Care Integrated Geriatric Team (PCIGT) to provide advanced comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment for patients experiencing mild to moderate frailty, complex health needs and geriatric syndromes. Play a key role in early identification of frailty, optimizing functional health, and reducing the need for urgent specialist or hospital-based interventions, while supporting integrated geriatric care, capacity building, and system navigation for older adults living in the community.

REPORTING:     

Under the general direction of the Regional Clinical Quality Lead, NESGC.

DUTIES: 

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments and analyses, and administer intervention and treatment plans in accordance with geriatric best practice principles.
2. Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team in the coordination and management of patients.
3. Synthesize, interpret and make realistic intervention decisions to minimize the development of complications and promote functional independence and optimal quality of life.
4. Identify, order, and prioritize diagnostic tests and procedures in consultation with the primary care physician and/or geriatrician or care-of-the-elderly physician.
5. Interpret laboratory/ radiology and other tests, and prescribe pharmacological and therapeutic interventions in consultation with the physician or in accordance with other medical directives.
6. Communicate with clients about health assessment findings and diagnosis.
7. Consult, refer and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team and community services as required.
8. Provide direct and indirect comprehensive care to clients and patients to manage acute and chronic illness within a holistic model of care.
9. Provide capacity building and knowledge translation within the primary care team and any community partners participating in care planning.
10. Develop and maintain professional working relationships with all members of the interdisciplinary team and community agencies related to geriatrics.
11. Practice autonomously, offering the full scope of Nurse Practitioner (NP) practice as outlined in the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Practice Standard: Nurse Practitioner, provincial and federal legislation and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) publication “Canadian Nurse Practitioner Core Competency Framework”.
12. Perform the responsibilities of the position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out in the applicable Provincial and Federal Acts and consistent with the operational policies of HSN.
13. Provide leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies measuring program effectiveness and multidimensional screening tools.
14. Prepare metrics and monitor statistical data.
15. Assist in the development and implementation of standards, guidelines, policies and procedures and participate in decision making and strategic planning for PCIGT including participation on applicable system planning tables.
16. Provide regional and provincial mentorship to other programs and clinicians that are implementing a primary care integrated geriatric team model.
17. Participate in pertinent evaluation and research studies related to patient’s healthcare, NP programs, practice and roles.
18. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
19. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
20. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
21. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
22. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Graduate from an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program with a specialty in Geriatric Nursing.
2. Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing or related field is preferred.
3. Current Certificate of Registration as RN (Extended Class) in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
4. Successful completion of the Geriatric Assessor Training course or equivalent is required.
5. Core Indigenous Cultural Competency Training, Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) and the P.I.E.C.E.S Training program are required.
6. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support  (BCLS) certificate is required.
7. Current certification in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is required.
8. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner.
2. Three (3) years of clinical experience in specialized geriatric services is preferred.
3. Experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of relevant advanced nursing practices.
4. Experience in the development of strategies to build capacity and improve health outcomes.
5. Experience in the development of clinical guidelines and protocols, promoting the use of research and evidence-based practice to guide patient-centered care.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated ability to integrate in-depth knowledge of geriatric medicine, care/case management of frail older adults, disease process and symptom management, and advanced nursing practice and theory.
2. Demonstrated knowledge regarding the nursing process and its application, including the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of geriatric best practice tools, including Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA).
4. Demonstrated skills in the assessment and management of geriatric syndromes, and chronic disease management.
5. Demonstrated skills in intensive case management for medically complex, frail older adults/care partners by mobilizing community health resources and enhancing continuum of care.
6. Proven leadership abilities with high levels of critical and logical thinking, analysis and/or reasoning.
7. Demonstrated high levels of initiative, resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability.
8. Demonstrated knowledge of community health resources and systems for older adults in Northern Ontario and telemedicine.
9. Demonstrated commitment to care of older adults.
10. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative practice model as a member of an inter-professional team.
11. Demonstrated ability to teach others using the principles of adult learning.
12. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous and Francophone culture.
13. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the relevant acts, regulations, legislation and standards related to Occupational Health and Safety in the hospital setting.
14. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
15. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
16. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
17. Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to manage workload and adapt quickly to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
18. Demonstrated ability to assist clients with concern and empathy; respect confidentiality and privacy, communicate in a courteous and respectful manner, and consider intended audience.
19. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
5. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to travel between local sites and to patients’ homes.
8. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle is required.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.