POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides comprehensive nursing services to the patient population of a family practice clinic within the Big Country Primary Care Network (BC PCN). The LPN assesses, manages and supports patients, providing appropriate documentation, and works collaboratively with the physician to develop and implement care plans, evaluate outcomes and provide follow-up with the patient. The LPN works to full scope of practice with an emphasis on providing comprehensive care, low-risk prenatal care, education and guidance to the elderly and/or patients with chronic disease. Duties will vary depending on the clinic and patient population.
The LPN works with Family Physicians in the community, other health professionals and local and regional programming in a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure a high quality of evidence-based health care to the practice population.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Based on the Alberta Health Services definition of Professional Practice and the Chronic Disease Management program, the Licensed practical Nurse (LPN) will use critical thinking and clinical judgment to coordinate and facilitate the management of patients within the PCN. Specifically the LPN will use a case management approach when assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care needs. The LPN will utilize the Physician office EMR or paper chart in maintaining accurate and timely records, documenting all phases of client care.
1.0 Clinical Role
Works collaboratively within the family practice environment to enhance the delivery of primary care services..
Receives patients and provides health services based on highly developed nursing knowledge and skills.
Works in conjunction with the physicians or independently as appropriate to assess the needs of patients.
Assists in the implementation of strategies for improving the quality and provision of care for the practice population.
Assists in the delivery of disease management and health promotion programs and provides appropriate care and treatment, according to practice policy and protocols and BC PCN approved clinic medical directives.
Provides chronic disease management, geriatric care, mental health services, incorporating monitoring progress, response to treatment, and promoting the preventive aspects of patient care within scope of practice.
Provides/coordinates care/services with other team members and community resources, appropriate to the situation, and in accordance with BC PCN policies, procedures and established standards.
2.0 Primary Care Nursing Program Delivery
Works with the Executive Director to implement the BC PCN primary care nursing program vision, outcomes, operational plans, systems, policies, protocols and metrics.
Assists in setting up health promotion programs and patient self-management programs relevant to the needs of the BC PCN population.
Supports the Executive Director by keeping abreast of current trends in nursing and keeping the Executive Director abreast of all emerging trends.
Participates in the identification of new service requirements and addressing deficiencies in current services.
Assists the Executive Director to modify programs and initiatives to take advantage of opportunities and protect them against external changes, and supports the consistent implementation of Primary Care Nursing Program operational plans to address requirements.
Meets regularly with other AHS and BC PCN Primary Care Nurses and Supervisors.
Provides timely and accurate information for Primary Care Nursing program meetings, and prepares periodic reports on program goal accomplishment.
Participates in program evaluation initiatives. Ensures the maintenance of accurate records in line with practice policy.
3.0 Professional Development
Responsible for own professional development through a variety of strategies highlighted the in personal development plan. Participates in the BC PCN education programs, multidisciplinary meetings.
SUPERVISION
The LPN reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director.
RELATIONSHIPS
1.0 Internal Relationships
As a member of BC PCN, the incumbent develops strong relationships with all the functional areas of the organization including program management and physicians.
2.0 External Relations
Develops relationships with the Alberta Health Services (AHS), other PCNs, and other organizations with an interest in furthering the interests of BC PCN.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate is a Licensed Practical Nurse with a proven track record in working with a primary care team to treat and manage patients with health problems efficiently and effectively.
1.0 Education: A Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma from an approved healthcare program and current CPR. Must have own vehicle and a valid drivers’ license
2.0 Functional Knowledge: Demonstrated clinical skills in Primary Care nursing, with evidence of own continued professional development. Proven ability to build a good working relationship with healthcare professionals, clients and other members of the community. Knowledge of and ability to use electronic medical records. Demonstrates ability to use equipment and supplies according to established standards and procedures
3.0 Experience: At least 3 years nursing experience, ideally in a Primary Care nursing environment. Experience in Primary Care/Community Care an asset.
4.0 Safety Conscious: Promotes a healthy/safe practice environment, recognizes safety issues and reports appropriately, participates in correction and prevention action plans.
5.0 Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
6.0 Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Sound judgment and strong interpersonal skills; able to develop collaborative working relationships with primary care professionals. Good manual dexterity. Ability to independently produce professional and accurate written work (assessments, treatment plans, documentation, discharge summary reports) with minimal supervisory correction or editing. Strong communication skills and ability to present Clinical presentations at clinical review meetings.
7.0 Self-Management and Organization Skills: Self-directed, flexible, and displays initiative. Strong time management and organizational skills, responsive to primary care settings needs. Program and service development skills.
8.0 Self-Starter: Demonstrates expanding capability to be self-directed in the management of responsibilities.
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Drumheller, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
