Nurse Practitioner, Long Term Care

JOB SUMMARY

The mandate of Long Term Care Services is to provide resident care based on the needs of individuals, as determined by medical, nursing, functional and psychosocial assessments, and on each resident’s expressed needs. The care provided in each Home includes specialized, restorative, supportive and palliative care for persons with dementia, disabilities and health problems who cannot live independently in their homes, and whose needs cannot be met in the community.

You are responsible for primary health care including clinical, counselling and referral services within the scope of practice and standards of care as outlined in the Regulated Health Professionals Act (RHPA) and the College of Nurses of Ontario for residents of the Long Term Care Homes.  As an autonomous health professional with advanced education, you will provide comprehensive health assessments, diagnose health/ illness conditions, and treat and manage acute and chronic illness within a holistic model of care.   Your Nurse Practitioner (NP) competencies will reflect advanced nursing practice by building and expanding upon the competencies of a registered nurse.  You will function as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and ensure collaboration with the resident, family or caregiver and the health team in the development, implementation and evaluation of a resident’s plan of care. 

Additionally, you will support the provision of leadership and mentorship to long term care home staff that enhances knowledge, assessment skills and the ability to support care for residents in place and by leading and collaborating in research, education and evidence-based practice initiatives to optimize the resident, long term care home and health system outcomes.

You will be accountable to the LTC Administrator and functionally accountable (for clinical practice issues) to the Medical Director and to the College of Nurses of Ontario for NP practice issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a 4-year university degree in Nursing (BScN)

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in long term care or other geriatric setting.

Completion of a certificate demonstrating “Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner” from an approved University.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of long-term care sector, relevant regulations/legislation, resident profiles, challenges and opportunities, roles and responsibilities, reporting requirements and health system navigation
• Knowledge of and ability to apply chronic disease frameworks
• Knowledge of and ability to provide advanced wound care skills 
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply a palliative approach to care in long-term care  
• Demonstrated and comprehensive understanding of ethical decision-making principles 
• Knowledge of community health care resources and referral physicians
• Demonstrates application of planning and evaluation methodologies
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
   

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within the stated scope of practice as per federal and provincial legislation and policy.
• Communicate effectively interpersonally, orally and in writing with management, staff and the public when required. 
• Multi-task and manage changing priorities and emergency situations.
• Engage in therapeutic conversations about holistic health care assessment, diagnosis, options, decisions and impact. 
• Conduct advanced assessment, examination and provide care and treatment.
• Develop and apply evaluation tools to analyze data, assist in writing write reports and prepare briefings.
• Mentor, supervise and evaluate students
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Leadership skills for chairing meetings, leading projects, providing functional direction to other nursing professionals.
• Use word processing and database software
• Able to work with clients from a variety of cultural, socio-economic and sexuality backgrounds.
• Be open, personable, flexible in approach, non-judgmental and able to establish rapport and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong commitment to long-term care as a role model and advocate when required.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Owning a car to facilitate working in two different homes