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 General Duty Nurse, Surgical Day Care Unit/Post Anaesthetic Care Unit provides and coordinates nursing care services such as patient assessment, patient and family teaching, and health promotion activities for pediatric patients and their families, consistent with established policies, standards and philosophy at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Maintains patient records by collecting and documenting information including health care information regarding patients and their families, nursing observations, telephone communications, interventions, teaching, and care evaluations to ensure that patient records are current and complete.

2. Plans direct care for the pediatric patients by performing activities such as reviewing patient/ family history, developing a care plan specific for the patient and family, and meeting with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan.

3. Provides direct patient care and collaborates with other members of the health care team to evaluate family centered patient care in the particular setting.

4. Teaches patients, family members, or other care-givers by providing and explaining information, demonstrating procedures and use of equipment, checking the learner’s use of procedures, techniques and equipment, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the selected teaching methods.

5. Identifies own learning needs, reviews these with the Program Manager or delegate, and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs.

6. Participates in the orientation and continuing education of nursing staff and students by preceptoring and role-modelling.

7. Acts as a clinical resource/ support person to patients and families; and nursing and health care professionals by explaining the theoretical rationale for nursing decisions.

8. Participates as a member of the health care team through contributing information in patient and family care conferences, rounds and staff meetings.

9. Provides input to the Program Manager, or delegate, regarding policies, procedures, and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions which address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.

10. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff by following established emergency procedures and other practices and procedures.

11. Promotes the implementation and evaluation of nursing research and quality monitoring activities as directed by participating in nursing committees, and by keeping current through attendance educational and in-service opportunities.

12. Performs other professionally related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• CPR Training – Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) – Level 1.
• One year of recent pediatric PACU experience in a tertiary level setting or one year of recent pediatric critical care experience in a tertiary level setting or a combination of Pediatric Critical Care Courses, Post Anesthetic nursing courses, PerioAnesthesia Nursing Course or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate effectively to children and their families.
• Ability to participate as a member of multidisciplinary care team, and function as a nursing resource.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Ability to operate related equipment.