Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Registered Practical Nurse (Geriatric Mental Health Team), provides nursing care planning and evaluation expertise to an inter-professional team that works with residents of long-term care homes. Working with GMH Registered Nurses and Community Support Workers and/or Long Term Care staff, the RPN will contribute to improving the quality of life for clients with responsive behaviours through building on community capacity to address responsive behaviours in the place where people live. As a valued member of the County of Simcoe Long Term Care and Seniors Services, the Registered Practical Nurse (GMH), demonstrates commitment to Resident Safety by providing quality care in accordance with the organization's mission, vision and values.

Monday - Friday, 0800-1600hrs. Travel could be required across the North Simcoe Muskoka regions.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)
1. Contributes to the ongoing implementation and capacity enhancement of Geriatric Mental Health, inclusive of Behavioural Support Services, in the designated area within the applicable LHIN.

2. Works collaboratively with the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services Program (NSM SGS) and other Behavioural Resources within the NSM region.

3. Provides support to the care team within long term care homes in challenging situations including assuming direct care with GMH RNs and CSW's and/or Long Term Care Staff during transitions in care and in situations that could result in a transfer to hospital.

4. Work the full scope of practice as an RPN, as per the College of Nurses, and the policies and procedures of the County of Simcoe.

5. Provides direct care that is person-centered and supported by evidence-based clinical best practices.

6. Utilizes therapeutic communication by establishing a working relationship with clients, families, co-workers and others for the purpose of meeting resident needs.

7. Provides direct, collaborative service to support the client, family members and/or health care providers to mitigate escalating responsive behaviours through care planning and evaluation of care outcomes.

8. Committed to the process of continuous improvement concerning the RPN GMH role and the enhancement of partnerships.

9. Participates in ongoing education and training related to best practices in the provision of care to the target population.

10. Collaborates and communicates with all members of the Geriatric Mental Health Team, residents, families, clinicians and other relevant parties.

11. Takes a lead role in the development of care plans in consultation with the GMH RN.

12. Takes a lead role in the evaluation and documentation of care outcomes.

13. Takes a lead role in the evaluation, monitoring and documentation of the effectiveness of prescribed medications and non-pharmacological interventions.

14. Participates in and demonstrates an understanding of resident safety principles and practices into all day to day activities. Follows all safe work practices and procedures and immediately communicates any activity or action which may constitute a risk to resident safety.

15. Provides coaching and mentoring to the Geriatric Mental Health Team and front line staff.

16. Establishes and fosters therapeutic relationships with residents and families.

17. Performs other duties as assigned.

18. Works in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Long Term Care Homes Act, and their regulations in performing duties in a safe manner and follows all County of Simcoe and NSM SGS Health & Safety policies, procedures and legislation.

19. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act.
CORPORATE COMPETENCIES
Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our corporate competencies:

• Acts with the Customer in Mind

• Ensures Accountability

• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes

• Collaborates

• Communicates with Impact

• Is Resilient
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION
• Registered Practical Nursing Diploma.

• Current unrestricted registration as an RPN with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

• Proof of annual CPR recertification.

• Training in (or willingness to participate in training) P.I.E.C.E.S. and GPA!

• Working knowledge of the Long Term Care Homes Act and Regulations and other legislation that is relevant to the venues in which care is provided.

• Extensive knowledge and skill working with individuals with various types of dementia, delirium, mental health, addictions, other neurological conditions.

• Strong care planning skills and demonstrated knowledge of Nursing Process.

• Sound understanding of and commitment to the principles of the Behavioural Supports Ontario and North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services Program initiatives.

• Person and care giver focused care.

• Knowledge of best practice in dementia, delirium, mental health issues and their effect on persons, families and care givers.

• Ability to deliver non-pharmacological and pharmacological management approaches.

• Familiarity with RAI documentation including assessments, RAPs and care planning functions.

• Basic computer skills including ability to use electronic communication devices and software pertaining to risk management and documentation. Knowledge of PCC/POC and Meditech is an asset.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with other members of inter-professional care teams, clients, family members and community team members.

• Effectiveness as a team member through collaboration, respect and effective communication.

• Commitment to quality improvement and change initiatives.

• Ability to adapt positively and productively to changes in the work environment and ability to effectively deal with empathic strain.

• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively, manage a full work-load and meet deadlines in a busy environment.

• Ability to problem solve issues that may arise in carrying out the duties of this position.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Understanding and commitment to health and safety policies, procedures and applicable legislation.

• Demonstrates professionalism in interactions with internal and external contacts.

• Effectiveness in emergency management system principles.

• Good physical condition to meet the physical demands of the position.

• Valid driver's license and access to reliable vehicle required.

• Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening that is less than six (6) months old at time of hire.

• As a condition of employment, candidates are required to submit documented results of TB testing, as per Public Health requirements.
EXPERIENCE
• Two years' experience with clients in Long Term Care.
EFFORT
• Analytical skills required when developing or evaluating care plans, etc.

• Physical effort required when assisting residents from time to time.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work schedule to be determined; ability to work days, evenings, night and weekends required.

• Frequent walking, standing.

• Frequent contact with clients exhibiting responsive behaviours.

• Potential exposure to hazards typically found in health-care environments.

• Frequent driving to work location using own vehicle.