Primary Function:
Assists the Registered Nurses in patient care.

Supervision Received:
Nurse Manager
Nurse in Charge

Direction Received:
Registered Nurses

Machines & Equipment Used:
General nursing and diagnostic equipment, orthopaedic equipment, telephone, patient computer, communication system.

Direction Exercised:
Occasionally gives direction to Personal Support Worker staff regarding client discharge and admissions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Care:
Receive previous shift report on client’s condition and care. Reviews client care plan established by nursing staff and provides basic client care (e.g. Bathing, bed-making, skin care, elimination care, taking vital signs, changing simple dressings, etc.). Ensures that RPN assignments are carried out according to nursing care plan objectives.

Orients new Client to the nursing unit. Informs new clients of pertinent Institution policies and procedures. Prepares client for anaesthetic assessments.

Assists with meal tray distribution on the nursing unit. When required positions client and assists client with feeding. Ensures that clients receive proper nourishment. Assists with collecting trays when required.

Observes and reports to RN any abnormalities of IV status. After added skills training may regulate and discontinue IV’s and administer oral or subcutaneous medication.

Applies heat or cold to client as required using proper client care precautions.
Assists RN in preparing client for the operating room (e.g. bowel preparation, shave preparations, vital signs, allergy bands, etc.).

Escorts client within the hospital and to other facilities as required.

On discharge accompanies client to the Business Office and to the main entrance.

Reports any abnormalities/ irregularities in client status to RN.

Reinforces client teaching by RN.

Charts on assigned client in consultation with RN. Updates client care plan and nursing care plans (if certified).

Occasionally transfers client’s belongings as may be necessary.

Administrative /Developmental Duties:

Assists with orientation of new staff, students, and relief.

Participates in the development of unit objectives.

Participates in unit committees, CPR and fire drills, and RPN meetings.

Attends in-service programs and external programs to maintain and upgrade skills. Participates in client care conferences as required.

Performs additional duties as required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

(a) Formal Education:

Current RPN certification with the college of Nurses off Ontario

(b) Skills:

CPR skills, knowledge of nursing units’ policies and procedures. Added skills training may be required. Basic RPN technical skills as defined by the college of Nurses.

(c) Experience:

No previous experience required with RPN course.

(d) Personal Qualities:

Ability to work under pressure. Observant. Good interpersonal skills.
Good judgement to refer care problems to the RN when necessary. Ability to work effectively as a team member under the leadership of the RN.

Communication Skills:

Ability to understand and carry out instructions of the RN; ability to communicate effectively with other Departments, patients, and visitors.

Organizational Skills:

Organized work habits required to properly carry out RPN responsibilities. Capable of organizing workload and setting priorities.

Leadership:

Ability to recognize an emergency situation and obtain required assistance. Occasionally gives direction to Unit Assistants and Personal Support Worker staff regarding patient discharges and admissions.