Foot Care Registered Nurse

Position Title:  Foot Care Registered Nurse

Employment Status: Part-time Permanent 0.5FTE

Position Status: This is a Bargaining Unit position. All terms and conditions of the collective                         bargaining agreement apply.

 Hours of Work/Schedule:  Monday to Friday, 17.5 Hours per week (includes one evening shift per week)

Position Reports To:  Senior Manager, Integrated Care and Experience (ICE)

Director: AVP ICE

Salary Range: Annualized salary range ($35,827 - $38,364, prorated based on a 0.5 FTE) commensurate on skills and experience, plus participation in HOOPP.

Primary Work Location:115 Grassmere Avenue, Oshawa, ON with flexibility to work/travel to other DCHC sites as required.

Organization Overview

Durham Community Health Centre is a recognized leader in redefining the experience of community-based health and wellness services.  We provide access to high quality holistic and inclusive care that is responsive to the needs of the community and empowers individuals to enhance their own well-being. 

Our name embodies what we do every day – we care.  Caring for the health and wellness of our communities' residents is the cause that unites us. It shapes our thinking and guides our actions.

Durham Community Health Centre is a registered charitable organization providing  a variety of free, community programs and services including: health promotion and wellness programs; primary care, counselling and mental health; diabetes education; Hepatitis C screening, treatment support, education and outreach; geriatric assessment & intervention; young parent support, youth programs, Indigenous programs; community development programs; and fundraising events which include developing charitable partnerships/sponsorships to fund programs.

In line with the CHC Model of Health and Wellbeing, our expert team works with our clients to provide holistic care, support, and wraparound services that empower clients to improve their health and wellness. We strive to be accessible to those in the community who face access barriers like culture, gender, geographic isolation, homelessness, language, physical disabilities, poverty, and race.

We are Durham Community Health Centre!  Care. Compassion. Community.

Position Overview

The Foot Care Registered Nurse is a health care provider with expertise in foot care and foot health. The RN assesses and treats disorders of the foot using conservative methods. This position is responsible for providing foot care services to all patients, including those who are at UHN sites, as well as offsite in community settings to individuals who are homeless, seniors and people living with diabetes. Through education and awareness, the Foot Care RN promotes foot health. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, the Foot Care RN acts as a consultant, participating in holistic client-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Full scope of practice according to the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario and Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses.
• Assessment and treatment of foot conditions, including but not limited to diabetic foot care, nail care, biomechanical assessments, custom orthotic casting and dispensing, wound care, measuring for compression stockings, and procedures such as PNA/TNA/soft tissue lesion excisions.
• Initiates and collaborates with patients, community residents and other health professionals and physicians to systematically collect data about the health of each patient for initial screening, in-depth assessment, on-going monitoring and reassessment.
• Identify priorities and strategies or interventions in order to contribute to the individualized treatment programs that achieve the optimal outcome for each patient.
• Safely and effectively perform the strategies and interventions directed by the treatment program.
• Systemically evaluate the extent to which optimal outcomes have been achieved.
• Develops and provides education on foot health and services in clinical, community and in group settings to lay individuals as well as medical and paramedical teams.
• Direct involvement in the design and creation of new innovative models of care in limb preservation.
• Develops, coordinates, and participates in professional development /educational activities/programs to ensure excellence in the provision of chiropody services.
• Participates in communication activities to maintain and continually enhance the coordination and quality of chiropody services.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Completes daily instrument reprocessing; follows all IPAC procedures.  
• Manages foot care inventory.
• Perform foot assessments, including but not limited to biomechanics, health history, physical, psychosocial, patient level of knowledge, and environment.
• Identify and address factors that impact functionality and mobility of lower limb.
• Provide non-invasive nursing interventions for the common pathologies of the feet, such as calluses, corns, various nail, and soft tissue pathologies.  
• Identify risk factors for ulceration, wounds, and amputation, including, but not limited to diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, skin changes, structural abnormalities, and evidence of infection.
• Recognize when patients ‘needs are beyond their professional scope of practice or personal level of competence and refers to the appropriate healthcare professional.  
• Completes accurate and timely clinical records and supports program data collection.  
• Performs cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested.  

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred
• Advanced Footcare certification
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) and C.P.R. certification
• of Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly respond to patients and situations with resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability is required.
• Understanding of principles of adult education and excellent group facilitation skills with community members and health care practitioners
• Commitment to working with low income, multi-lingual and multi-racial communities
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of client populations (e.g. seniors, newcomers, LGBTQ+, non-insured individuals, individuals with chronic and acute conditions, Indigenous populations)
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity awareness and skills to inform and best plan and facilitate coordination of patient care
• Excellent time management and stress management skills are required
• Computer literacy and basic proficiency is required with a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt to new technology
• A valid driver’s license, and access to a vehicle  

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (Durham CHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Application Process:

1. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and expectations by email to recruiting@durhamchc.ca.  This position will remain posted until filled.
2. While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for an interview will be contacted.
3. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration. All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
4. All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre-employment conditions for all external hires: Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening).

Durham Community Health Centre is committed to complying with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905-723-0036, or by email to recruiting@durhamchc.ca. Durham Community Health Centre, and staff are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes diversity.