Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Nurse (Registered Practical Nurse - RPN) specializing in Footcare and Wound Care to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee comprehensive patient care, coordinate foot and wound management programs, and mentor nursing staff to ensure the highest standards of clinical excellence. Your expertise will directly impact patient outcomes, especially in senior care, hospice, and community settings, by delivering compassionate, specialized care tailored to individual needs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative practices in foot and wound care while fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment.
Responsibilities
- Leadership & Staff Support
- Work collaboratively with the care team in day-to-day client care.
- Provide ongoing clinical guidance and mentorship to team members, including during crisis and emergency situations.
- Orient and provide ongoing training to Personal Support Workers on their role and the safe use of equipment and supplies.
- Liaise with practicum placement facilitators; coordinate, supervise, and evaluate PSW students on placement.
- Provide support and coverage during staff absences.
Client Care & Program Coordination
- Provide care in accordance with administrative policies, the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards of Nursing Practice.
- Maintain program capacity by efficiently managing client admissions and discharges.
- Develop individual client care plans in conjunction with the Day Program team; facilitate the team Client Reassessment process.
- Coordinate transportation services with transit service providers.
- Familiarize yourself with all new client information and share it with staff prior to the client's start date.
- Assess and monitor participant condition, recognizing and interpreting signs and symptoms, and report concerns to family and care providers.
- Monitor participant nutritional status, liaise with the Director and caregivers to resolve related concerns, and inform staff, students, and volunteers of dietary restrictions or special meal instructions.
- Coordinate personal hygiene routines and maintain accurate daily attendance, foot, hand/nail care, and bathing records; summarize and submit to the Program Manager monthly.
- Effectively manage difficult client behaviours, outbursts, and altercations.
Medication & Clinical Care
- Receive and document all medications upon arrival and ensure safe, secure storage always.
- Confirm dosages and instructions for all medications and treatments prior to administration.
- Administer and record the provision of all medications and treatments as performed.
- Maintain accurate and complete participant records of nursing observations, care, treatments, and medications provided; maintain the participant emergency file.
Wound & Advanced Foot Care
- Provide comprehensive treatment and ongoing management of ulcers, open wounds, scars, or skin infections to prevent skin breakdown.
- Perform wound assessments based on best-practice guidelines for clients with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, edema, lymphedema, post-operative issues, or burns requiring advanced care.
- Measure limb circulation and apply appropriate compression to reduce edema.
- Obtain informed consent prior to and throughout service provision.
- Provide education to clients to enable effective self-care, including infection prevention and bandage changes at home.
- Provide advanced foot and/or hand care to individuals in community and clinic settings and perform foot care as requested by participants and families.
- Understand and implement infection prevention practices as they relate to foot care and diabetic foot care.
- Deliver clinical wound care to clients and provide wound care education to nurses.
- Order and maintain adequate supply of wound, continence, and foot care products.
Health & Safety
- Ensure the standard and maintenance of equipment, lifts, and transfers meet ministry standards, and support safe transport and access for clients with mobility deficits.
- Monitor the environment for risk and safety issues, implement appropriate actions, and report concerns to the Program Director.
- Complete and submit monthly safety inspections; facilitate and document fire drills for the facility.
- Liaise with emergency personnel and care providers during participant medical emergencies.
- Assist in promoting a healthy physical and psychosocial environment for clients.
- Work cooperatively with the Administrative Assistant to ensure accuracy of the client database and billing information.
Qualification
Education & Registration
- Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- Additional training or certification in wound care and/or advanced foot care is an asset.
Experience
- Experience in gerontological nursing or working with individuals with dementia, or other vulnerable populations.
- Experience in medication administration, wound care, and infection prevention and control practices.
- Prior experience in a supervisory, mentorship, or lead clinical role is an asset.
Certifications & Requirements
- A clear and current Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) is mandatory.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
- Training or certification in infection prevention and control (IPAC) is preferred.
- Certification in non-violent crisis intervention (e.g., CPI) is preferred.
Join us in making a meaningful difference by providing expert footcare and wound treatment within a supportive team dedicated to excellence!
Pay: $35.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 24.0 per week
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
