Registered Practical Nurse (Infectious Diseases)

The Role

Provides registered practical nursing services for Public Health programs in accordance with Ontario Public Health Standards and consistent with the mission, vision, values, and strategic directions of Public Health.

In the IDS Division (R01600): Provides clinical services, vaccine inventory and distribution in the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides clinical services and related counselling for the delivery of public health programs and services. Administers screening tools and assessments. 
• Maintains professional competence as a Registered Practical Nurse by the College of Nurses of Ontario as defined by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RPHA), including participating in related conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Applies nursing process (assess, plan, implement, evaluate) in interactions with clients and makes referrals as required. Exercises professional discretion and accountability for practice.
• Maintains client records and completes documentation on all interactions. Ensures confidentiality of client information. Completes statistics for all activities.  
• Receives assignments and direction from supervisor/manager. Exchanges information with other program or divisional/departmental staff. 
• Keeps management informed of pertinent day-to-day issues. 
  Maintains and safely handles program equipment and resources. Informs supervisor of need for program supplies, resourcing, and equipment repairs.
• Participates in mass immunization campaigns and emergency response, as required and per defined role. 
• Acts as a preceptor to nursing students and volunteers.
• Works as part of a nursing team in the community and resolves day-to-day issues in work assignments without readily available consultation with supervisor or their delegate. Refers more complex issues to supervisor or their delegate. 
• Makes independent decisions in emergency situations with prompt notification to management. 
• Participates at multi-disciplinary program meetings, in the division or department, and in the community.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• In the IDS Division (R01600): Assesses clients presenting for immunization for contraindications and current health status. Assesses immunization records to determine client needs.  
• In the IDS Division (R01600): Maintains an inventory of clinic supplies and vaccines; places orders as needed; and packs and arranges distribution to community health care providers and internal programs. Ensures all vaccines are maintained in cold chain.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must hold a 2-year Registered Practical Nurse Diploma or equivalent and must hold current registration as a Registered Practical Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario or equivalent.  
• Current CPR certification, immunization status, and proof of immunity for Hepatitis B are required.
• Clinical skills in screening and assessment. Working knowledge of the nursing process and nursing theory. 
• In the IDS Division (R01600): Thorough knowledge of public health issues and strategies related to immunizations, including indications and contraindications for vaccination, management of adverse vaccine reactions such as anaphylaxis. Thorough knowledge and practice in infection control. Thorough knowledge of vaccine storage and handling guidelines.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Standards, Ontario Public Health Standards, Health Protection and Promotion Act, Health Care Consent Act, Personal Health Information Protection of Privacy Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Nursing Act, Child and Family Services Act, and other related legislation and professional guidelines and standards. 
• Skill in counseling and phone consultation, with proven interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients, health care professionals, the public, and parents/caregivers.  
• Organizational, problem solving, and time management skills to deal with issues presented in the field; organize supplies and schedule; and meet strict timelines. 
• Ability to provide non-judgmental, inclusive service to all clients.
• Computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office and program databases for data entry, document preparation, and conduct internet-based searching and networking.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information verbally, and educate and express ideas clearly and concisely to clients of all ages, other staff, and health care providers. Ability to alter language to match the comprehension level of the target group or client. 
• Ability to write clearly using appropriate format and language for reports, clinical records, and other documents. Ability to use data and literature from various sources to provide education and consultation to clients and other health professionals.
• Ability to participate as an effective team member within an interdisciplinary health setting with community members of various backgrounds and cultures. 
• Ability to work days, afternoons, evenings, and weekends as part of a regular schedule. 
• Ability to travel to locations within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.