Position Overview

The Primary Health Care Nurse (PHCN) is an integral member of a multi- disciplinary team, who will promote health within the community. Guided by Primary Health Care principles, the Primary Health Care Nurse strives to improve the health status of the residents of Churchill. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the incumbent is responsible for care of the entire population accessing primary health services. Partners to assure seamless care in collaboration with the physician(s). The PHCNN follows the patient through all stages of growth and development, through degrees of wellness and illness, from one setting to another, collaborating with other RNs, physicians, allied health and expert providers in various settings utilizing a wellness focused approach. The PHCNN provides holistic assessments and creates linkages with appropriate community resources. This will be achieved through expertise in health assessments; health related community action and development, health promotion and education, health protection, illness and injury prevention, management of chronic illness, clinical services, and research. This position will also be responsible for the research, development and implementation of Public Health functions, provincial Primary Care Network initiative, quality improvement activities, a triage system, Advanced Access, EMR promotion and the co-ordination of consultant clinics/procedures.

Experience

• Minimum three years recent clinical nursing experience is required.
• Experience in a Primary Care clinic and knowledge of chronic disease management and diabetic teaching would be preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Completion of post entry primary health care nurse education an asset plus additional specialty certification.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Current registration with CRNM.
• Active participation in professional associations e.g. Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) preferred.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of acts or legislation that govern practice (for example):
  • Personal Health Information Protection Act.
  • Protection for Persons in Care Act.
  • Mental Health Act.
  • Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS).
  • Principles of routine practices (universal precautions).
  • Child Protection Act.
  • Scope of practice as documented in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)/Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to assess learning needs and provide appropriate teaching and resources for patients.
• Requires excellent organization and time management skills.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and competence in primary care nursing practice.
• Knowledge of primary health care and the social determinants of health.
• Understanding of the principles of collaboration.
• The ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, behaviour change counselling, program planning, individual and group counselling.
• Knowledge and awareness related to cultural competence.
• Knowledge of the principles of the Stanford model of self-management.
• In-depth knowledge of health assessment and interventions in the primary care context.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed.
• Ability to work well with other health-care professionals.
• Ability to delegate care appropriately.
• Ability to be an effective change agent.
• Effective organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to adapt communication styles to meet the needs of patients, health team members and community partners.
• Computer skills with a view to implementation of Electronic Medical Records.

Physical Requirements

• Possible heavy lifting at times.
• Possible eye strain.
• Possible posture and muscle problems.
• Possible contact with clients with aggressive behaviour.
• Working with sharp objects.
• Other demands as it pertains to position.