Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Registered Nurse, Reproductive Health/IVF provides direct care to patients and their families within all areas of the Reproductive Health Program including Fertility and Pelvic Pain both by working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Provides counselling to patients undergoing ovulation induction procedures including IVF and education and support to families. The Registered Nurse is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of clinic services. Consults, confers, and collaborates with other health care providers. Demonstrates continuous improvement and a best practice approach in nursing practice.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Triages and prioritizes patients for appointments according to Program criteria as a member of the Reproductive Health Team by methods such as reviewing referral documents, screening and requesting additional relevant documents, determining when additional tests such as blood tests and ultrasounds are required, and participating in coordinating appointments.

2. Monitors patient care needs by providing telephone counselling and support to patients in the Program, regarding such issues as infertility and pelvic pain. Works collaboratively with medical staff and other multi-disciplinary health care team members to assist in ensuring effective, high-quality patient care. Educating patients prior to procedures.

3. Provides clinical nursing support and care for patients undergoing selected procedures including egg retrievals, embryo transfers, intrauterine inseminations, ultrasounds, hysteroscopy, and sonohysterograms by methods such as attending procedures, administering conscious sedation, assisting physicians, performing intrauterine inseminations under physician direction, assessing patient condition throughout procedure and reports any changes to physician, administering blood products i.e. WINRHO, and providing direct patient care during and post procedure.

4. Provides counselling to patients undergoing ovulation induction procedures including IVF by establishing therapeutic relationships with patients and families, identifying patients’ and families' perspectives and learning needs, and providing explanations and reassurances in response to questions/concerns.

5. Provides patients with the results of their investigations within the scope of nursing by methods such as telephoning patient and communicating stage of progress.

6. Maintains related records including hand written and computerized documents such as patient records, data sheets and procedural forms by keeping complete and accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies.

7. Participates in program and/or policy development, and Quality Assurance activities through methods such as collaborating with the Program Coordinator, identifying processes/procedures that require improvement, drafting/revising guidelines, policies and procedures for review, and performing chart audits and compiling statistics.

8. Assists the Program Coordinator in developing and implementing patient education and in identifying in-service education needs for staff by methods such as reviewing, discussing and providing suggestions for modifications of educational materials and resources.

9. Participates in the SWH emergency preparedness by checking the crash cart, participating in mock codes and emergency codes, and responding to other emergency situations as required.

10. Uses appropriate supplies and equipment for client care in accordance with departmental standards regarding cost effectiveness, availability, and safe care requirements. Problem-solves equipment malfunctions with technical staff. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.

11. Maintains and updates current nursing knowledge by reviewing literature, consulting with other professionals and attending approval relevant educational programs in order to contribute to the continuing improvement of health care within SWH.

12. Provides orientation to nursing students, medical students and other health care providers as required.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training & Experience:

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Two (2) years of recent relevant experience, demonstrating competency in the specialty area, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current CPR certification.

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of assistant reproductive technologies, including In Vitro Fertilization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and counsel patients and families.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver individual or group-based patient education and counselling.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to triage and prioritize referrals.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.