Practical Nurse (3896)

Requisition ID 3896 Posted

Basic Purpose of the role

Work within a patient care team supporting Registered Nurses and Allied Health staff in the delivery of patient care. Perform independent patient care activities within the scope of practice of Practical Nurse according to policies and procedures of the hospital. This will be in keeping with the accepted principles or professional nursing practice.

Key responsibilities of the role

Manages clinical and operational activities at ward level and ensure the provision of optimum clinical care, customer satisfaction and patient safety.

Demonstrate ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

Maintains an effective rapport with patients, visitors, physicians, and other members of the hospital team.

Promotes confidentiality and uses complete discretion when discussing information.

Works collaboratively with other staff members to provide continuous service to the organisation.

Ability to express self in the areas of communication verbal, written and non-verbal.

Demonstrates knowledge of current computer system used in the organisation.

Demonstrates adherence to safety and risk management policies as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices.

Ensures the reporting of all adverse events, incidents and near misses.

Contributes to investigations of complaints and incidents and draft responses as required in a timely manner.

Contributes to the monitoring of key performance indicators and developing action plans as required

Responsible for the implementation and delivery of age appropriate patient care congruent with the mission, vision and values of the organisation.

To maintain a high standard of nursing care for patients, working within evidence based guidelines and unit specific competencies.

Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, assess and implement nursing care for patients ensuring a patient centered approach to care.

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, assist in the activities of daily living for patients in accordance with the patient care plan e.g. distribution of patient meals and assisting patients with hygiene needs.

Demonstrate good communication skills, interacts effectively with patients, visitors and other staff.

Reports unsafe practice to the Nurse In-charge.

Understands the basic indications for medications, recognises side effects and reports to the Registered Nurse appropriately.

Ensures the registered nurse is informed of observations and care provided for patients and document appropriately.

Reports any significant changes in the patient’s condition to a Registered Nurse immediately.

Provides a comprehensive clinical handover / report as required to ensure patient safety using SBAR principles.

Uses ward resources such as dressings and clinical items in a cost effective and responsible manner

Responds to all levels of emergencies according to the organisations policies and procedures.

Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the patient and family diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity and rights.

Maintain high standards of infection control at all times by adhering to infection control policies with an aim of reducing of healthcare associated infections.

Other responsibilities

Participates as assigned on committees, working groups and other organisation activities.

Communicates with patient care team ongoing changes in patient’s plan of care and unit activity.
Contributes to product evaluation at unit level and participates in trials related to new product lines as appropriate.

Acts as a preceptor to less experienced staff as required.

Patient and family teaching as required.

Actively participates in organisational change in a constructive manner.

Actively participates in the process for ensuring the organisation achieve and maintain JCIA and other accreditation.

Engages in health promotion activities in the organisation and community.

Actively participates in the Clinical Competency Programme.

Attends meetings pertinent to department.

Maintains a professional demeanor and is culturally sensitive.

Compliance guidelines

Participates in the development of policies and procedures in the units, relating to equipment and materials.

Follows hospital policies and procedures.

Maintains confidentiality regarding patient/staff information.

Ensures all nursing and allied health staff maintains confidentiality regarding patient/staff information.
Promotes positive public relations with patients, peers, medical staff and members of the general public.

Collaborates with personnel from non-clinical department/disciplines regarding issues that may negatively impact patient care; facilitate solutions as needed.
Adheres to requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines and Infection Control Guidelines.

Understands and adheres to emergency preparedness plans/policies.

Maintains compliance in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety standards.

The position does have exposure to malodorous, infectious body fluids from patients and some minimal exposure to noxious smells from cleansing agents.

The position requires exposure to infectious wastes such as blood and body fluids that mandate the wearing of gloves, masks and goggles for every actual or potential exposure.

Facilitates effective communication between the patient, family and the interdisciplinary health care team as required.

Demonstrates improvement in clinical practice as a result of application of new theoretical knowledge and technology.

Initiates or participates in Nursing and or other disciplines research that contributes to continual improvement in standards of care.

Obtains accredited and non-accredited Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Units in compliance with Department of Health and the organization’s requirements.

Actively participates in the annual system of performance review

Qualifications, Certifications and Experience

Diploma of Nursing not less than 18 months course duration
Maintains valid, current RN licensure from own country.BLS certified.
Certified proof of yearly CME.

Not less than 1 year clinical experience after graduation in appropriate clinical setting.

International accreditation experience is an advantage.

The ability to influence and implement change.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Able to work independently and collaboratively with others.
Organized and able to work methodically.
Excellent leadership skills.
Able to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds.
Fluent in both written and spoken English.

Physical requirements

The position requires a considerable amount of physical work. The individual must be able to quickly manoeuvre throughout halls, stairways and patient rooms in response to hospital emergencies. The following denote the key physical requirements for the job which may require: Standing, Simple Grasping, Fine Manipulation, Operation Machinery / Equipment, Lifting / overhead reaching, Twisting, Climbing / Balancing, Crouching / Squatting, Reaching and Manual handling of people of approximately 100kg. Lifting equipment must be used whenever practicable.

In addition the position requires office work involving extensive use of the computer and interdepartmental coordination. Typical physical demands include: a high degree of manual dexterity to sufficiently perform computer functions on a keyboard, produce materials on a PC and operate basic office equipment, normal or corrected vision and hearing, extensive sitting and walking, mobility sufficient to visit with departments or employees throughout the facility and lift up to 13 kgs.