What is the role of an RPN?

Nursing homes are facilities primarily for elderly people who are not necessarily ill or disabled enough to be hospitalized, but are still unable to take care of themselves effectively on a day-to-day basis. Residents of these facilities are generally provided with assistance in helping them carry out typical daily tasks, including hygiene, ensuring that they take their medication, providing them with three square meals a day, and generally making sure that they are comfortable and happy. RPI Consulting Group regularly has job openings in nursing homes for nurses and caregivers – contact us today if you’re a nurse looking for work who wants to make a difference.

One of the most important roles in a nursing home is that of the Registered Practical Nurse (or Licensed Practical Nurse in provinces/territories other than Ontario). Read on to learn about some of the duties that an RPN/LPN is responsible for in a nursing home.

The RPN/LPN in a Nursing Home

Because the residents of nursing homes are generally elderly, it stands to reason that they will require regular care and assistance with their daily tasks. When an RPN/LPN works in nursing home, they can expect their duties to include:

• Ensure that residents are being taken care of according to their needs and following any medical instructions from their physicians accurately and compassionately
• Observe and report on symptoms and overall conditions of residents
• Assist in the planning and development of resident care plans
• Supervise other nursing staff and personal support workers who are assigned to a specific wing or unit
• Work together with the rest of the staff to ensure that the nursing home runs smoothly and that residents receive outstanding around-the-clock care

This is not an exhaustive list of all of an RPN/LPN nurse’s duties, but it does outline the more important ones.

In closing

Nursing homes play a valuable role in the community, and if you’re an RPN/LPN who gets hired to work at one, you will be expected to play a key role in ensuring that residents are comfortable, healthy and happy. If you’re interested in seeing what opportunities RPI currently has available, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable Account Managers for more information.

Phone: 416-850-9809; Toll-Free: 1-866-505-3383

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Job Description

The job of the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) at Two Rivers Family Health Team requires a thorough knowledge of primary care nursing and the ability to function effectively in a team environment with physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and administrative staff.  The role also requires a high level of interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.   In addition, the RPN possesses and utilizes the knowledge, skill and judgment to function autonomously within the RPN full scope of practice while collaborating with other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide patient oriented, goal directed nursing care in accordance with the standards of care from the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Communicate ideas and concerns to the health care team and participate in problem solving
• Use knowledge, skill and judgment to triage incoming patient calls, assess patient’s health needs, discuss test results and respond to questions pertaining to health promotion and disease prevention
• Demonstrate an understanding of chronic disease management and patient self care strategies
• For patient appointments, where applicable, initiate the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of the patient visit, purpose, history and health care needs.  Record patient vitals and prepare patient and room for examination
• Maintain accurate, concise and confidential EMR documentation to recall patients for health promotion and disease prevention follow up such as immunizations, pap smears, mammograms, FOB testing, bone density, smoking cessation, hypertension, breast feeding support and diabetes
• Manage refrigeration cold chain protocol, manage supply orders for immunizations from Public Health
• Check and re stock/re order Emergency kit supplies, medications, oxygen tanks and defibrillators
• Continue professional educations and growth through the College of Nurses of Ontario Quality Assurance Program
• Attend relevant conferences, workshops and in services
• Participate in staff meetings and review current organizational operations
• Provide mutual support to other nursing staff within the FHT, colleagues and other staff members
• Maintain that all medical information provided is current and unbiased
• Function as a clinical leader/resource for administrative staff, MOAs and other disciplines

Qualifications

• Minimum 3yrs nursing experience, primary care or emergency care considered an asset
• Current certificate of registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario possessing a medication administration certificate
• Proof of Liability Insurance
• Excellent patient assessment and triaging skills including a Health Assessment course
• Able to respond to crisis situations with demonstrated critical thinking
• Basic Cardiac Life Support certification
• Advanced certification (such as Asthma Educator, Foot Care, Breastfeeding, Pediatrics Assessment, Wound Management etc.) is considered an asset
• Awareness of RPNAO and RNAO initiatives that promote best evidence based practice, such as the RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization initiative is considered an asset
• Valid Driver’s License
• Proficient Computer Skills

Position Overview
Operating within their full scope of practice, the RPN will work collaboratively with all members of the Family Health Care Team/Organization in the, promotion of patient health, and the prevention of disease.

Duties of the RPN will be divided into three categories- clinical duties, health care team responsibilities, and maintenance of the practice environment.

Your job responsibilities include the following:

• Triage incoming patient calls. Assess patient’s health needs, discuss test results and respond to questions pertaining to health promotion and disease prevention
• Initiate the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of the patient visit, purpose, history and health care needs. Record patient vitals and prepare patient and room for examination
• Educate patients regarding different tests, if needed.
• Maintain the EMR to recall patients for health promotion and disease prevention follow-up such as immunizations, pap smears, mammograms, FOB testing, bone density and diabetes care
• Administer and record immunization. Educate patients of possible side effects.
• Perform blood pressure follow-ups that include assessing the patient’s response to medications and providing patient education and self management strategies as per FHT program guidelines
• Maintain the INR monitoring and management system
• Complete pre-operative and MTO physical forms
• Maintain accurate, concise and confidential EMR documentation pertaining to patient history and encounter data
• Perform suture/staple removal, ear syringe and assist physician with minor clinic procedures.

•  Current certificate of Registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario (RPN)
•  Excellent patient assessment and triaging skills
•  Knowledge of Immunization guidelines in Ontario
•  Knowledge of and working experience with EMR systems and applications
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  Ability to work collaboratively as a member of multi-disciplinary team
•  At least 1 to 3 years Primary Care Experience

While we thank all applicants, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview. In Accordance with The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Summerville Family Health Team will provide accommodation, accessible formats and communication supports for the interview upon request.