OVERVIEW:
Within the context of a client and family centred care and, in alignment with the mission, vision, values and strategic directions of Vancouver Hospice Society, the incumbent promotes a safe and respectful working environment for patients, clients, families, visitors and staff.
Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, the Registered Nurse, assesses, identifies, plans, implements and evaluates the nursing care of patients to meet their physical, social, spiritual and psychological needs at end of life. The Registered Nurse works within a clinical framework for hospice palliative care and in accordance with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) Standards of Practice that are consistent with the mission, vision and values and established practices and protocols of Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS).
In providing professional, respectful and compassionate patient care, the Registered Nurse adopts a holistic approach to care by considering the needs and wishes of the patient, family members and loved ones to support the patient’s journey and provide quality end-of-life care to the patient and their family as one unit of care.
PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)
- Provides direct nursing care in accordance with hospice/palliative standards and in accordance with the BCCNM Standards of Practice and code of ethics.
- Assesses total physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs; plans, implements and evaluates care plans and makes recommendations when necessary.
- Includes patient’s personal, cultural, religious values, beliefs, practices and preferences in the plan of care.
- Oversees the care provided by Care Aides[RN1] , ensures their assessment reports are integrated into the care plans for patients, and ensures a positive and constructive environment for team care nursing.
- Promotes a holistic and compassionate multidisciplinary approach using evidence-informed nursing knowledge, skills and judgement to provide competent, comprehensive and holistic nursing care.
- Maintains confidentiality and acts as an advocate to protect and promote the patient’s right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity and access to information.
- Writes concise and accurate reports of relevant observations, assessments, family teaching and outcomes of nursing care.
- Utilizes appropriate community resources (e.g. Community Health Nurse, Referring Teams, Palliative Access Line) in planning and managing patients’ transition and care at hospice.
- Maintains a commitment to the hospice palliative care philosophy by identifying self-learning needs and seeking out professional development opportunities to enhance clinical competency to ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date.
- Mentors and supports staff members as required.
- Participates in projects and initiates and performs other related duties as required.
- Assumes other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
BSN from a recognized institute in Canada. CNA Hospice Palliative Care Certification is an asset. Specialty courses in end-of-life care are an asset. Current practicing registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
Experience:
Two (2) years recently, related hospice or palliative nursing experience in a similar environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Basic understanding of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) process and administration is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Demonstrated clinical knowledge and understanding of principles involved hospice/palliative care practice, and the ability to lead nursing care team in the provision of excellent end-of-life care to patients at the hospice.
- In depth understanding of pharmacology for management of common symptoms in end-of-life care (e.g. opiates and analgesic ladder, anti-emetics, sedatives and other psychoactive medications, etc.)
- Ability to work independently and as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team in a palliative care environment.
- Ability to supervise the work of care aides and lead the nursing care team on daily basis.
- Effective interpersonal skills, with direct and open verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact with individuals at all levels and in sensitive situations.
- Demonstrated awareness, understanding and ability to respond to cultural and religious practices and sensitivities.
- Demonstrated high degree of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy, compassion, respect and polished social skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
- Solution focused with strong problem-solving skills and constructive conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Professional attitude and demeanor.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and delegate as appropriate.
- Demonstrated ability to appropriately deal with stressful and emotional situations.
- Basic knowledge of the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
- Physically fit and physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Available to work shift work including days, evenings, nights and weekends as required.
- Basic computer skills including MS Office Suite.
All employees and volunteers must abide by and model the mission, vision and values of VHS to ensure a safe and optimal environment for patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers.
In accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act, employees and volunteers must provide VHS with a current Criminal Records Check (CRC), for vulnerable populations. CRC’s must be renewed every 5 years. In addition, all employees and volunteers must sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $41.42-$55.91 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
Licence/Certification:
- Registered Nurse License with BCCNM (required)
Work Location: In person
