Registered Practical Nurse; PeriAnesthesia Care Unit

Overview

Registered Practical Nurses possess a defined body of knowledge, clinical skills, and procedural skills and professional attitudes, which are directed to effective patient and family-centered care.

RPNs apply these competencies to collect and interpret information, make appropriate nursing clinical decisions, and carry out therapeutic nursing interventions. In collaboration with the Registered Nurse, RPNs apply these competencies within the boundaries of their clinical knowledge, skill and judgment, personal expertise, the healthcare setting and the patient’s preferences. The role is guided by codes of ethics and a commitment to clinical competence, their care is characterized by up-to-date, resource-efficient clinical practice as well as with effective communication in partnership with patients and families and other health care providers.

Education

- Registered Practical Nurse with current Certificate of Registration issued by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
- Peri Anesthesia Certificate required and/or a minimum of three (3) years' experience in an acute care hospital setting in the Post-Anesthetic Care unit recovering patients in Phase I and II (within the last five (5) years).
- Current BCLS required.

Qualifications

- Two (2) years of recent surgical nursing experience in the last 3 years preferred.
- At least 1 year experience in the last 3 years Peri Anesthesia Care Unit or ER preferred.
- Recent experience in preoperative and postoperative phases of recovery preferred and/or obtained as part of the Peri Anesthesia Certificate.
- Demonstrated ability to care for a patient with: epidural infusion (PCA) preferred.
- Must be certified in: IV / Blood Procurement, EKG, Wound care management.
- Manage and care for Central and PICC lines change tubing, preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of surgical procedures and the surgical continuum of care for the surgical patient (Pre – intra – post surgery), required.
- Specialty knowledge in pre/post care and management of all surgical sub-specialties, , Nephrology, Gynecology, Hands & Plastics, Orthopedics, OHTNS and Thoracic surgical patients preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development.
- Demonstrated motivation to pursue educational goals.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct pre/post assessments and interviews.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a highly skilled interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated ability to implement plan of care including independent and interdependent nursing functions.
- Demonstrated ability in understanding the unique needs and teaching requirement(s) of the surgical patient both pre and post operatively.
- Must be willing to participate in unit quality initiatives and measurements.
- Work involves lifting, considerable walking, standing, bending, pushing and pulling of equipment.
- Demonstrated understanding of accountability based practice.
- Excellent interpersonal/ communication skills.
- Good work and attendance record required.
- Will be expected to work in all areas of the Surgery Health Service (skills & abilities considered).
- Demonstrated willingness to participate in on call rotations required.
- All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
- All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
- All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and procedures.