Registered Practical Nurse - Emergency

As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in the Emergency Department (ED) provides patient-centered nursing care in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. Working under the direction of medical practitioners, Registered Nurses (RN), or other regulated care professions, the RPN provides safe, compassionate and evidence informed care in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario Standards, Hospital policies and Patient Care Services guidelines.

The RPN supports timely assessment, treatment and safe transitions of care while contributing to patient safety, effective patient flow, and collaborative practice within the Emergency Department.

Key Responsibilities

· Meets the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards of Nursing Practice for Registered Practical
Nurses and practices in accordance with Hospital and Patient Care Services policies and
procedures.

· Organizes and implements nursing care plans to meet the assessed needs of each assigned
patient.

· Performs nursing interventions including head-to-toe assessments, vital signs, applying aseptic
techniques and sterile dressing changes, ensuring infection control, specimen collection, and
monitoring nutritional intake.

· Administers medication and monitors therapeutic effects and documents patient responses
accurately and in a timely manner.

· Provides pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care as required.

· Monitors and support established respiratory and intravenous therapies within the scope of
practice, and perform venipuncture as required.

· Manages a varied patient assignment in minor treatment area or the Clinical Decision Unit
(CDU) within scope of practice

· Assists in critical situations as required, including providing support functions such as a runner
or documentation.

· Utilizes critical thinking to assess changes in patient status (complexity, stability) and initiates
consultation, escalation, or transfer of care as appropriate.

· Supports safe transitions of care through patient and family education, reinforcement of
discharge plans and referrals to appropriate community resources.

· Provides cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and families.

· Utilizes human and material resources effectively and responsibly.

· Responsible for contributing to patient safety and promoting a culture of safety

· Functions in accordance with established hospital emergency procedures.

· Promotes effective communication and collaboration within and across departments.

· Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team, promoting effective liaisons between
patients, family and physicians, healthcare team members, and community agencies.

· Participants in the orientation and mentorship of new team members and nursing students,
including preceptorship activities as assigned.

· Works collaboratively with external education partners to facilitate student learning experiences.

· Maintains professional competence through ongoing learning, attendance at education sessions
and in-services, and self-assessment of professional development needs.

· Assists in maintaining the established standards of care through individual performance,
participation in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and hospital committees as required.

· Maintains awareness of current developments in nursing practice and relevant legislation,
including the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).

· Participates in assessing health needs and promoting health education and maintaining through
patient and family teaching.

· May be utilized in other patient care areas during a shift based on patient care needs and
operational requirements.

· Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Program Manager or designate.

Qualifications

Education