Position: Licensed Practical Nurse

Program/Services: REACH Urgent & Primary Care Centre

Wage Range: $28.00-$31.00

Established in 1969, REACH is a non-profit, community-governed organization with a history of primary care innovation and a commitment to equality and social justice in East Vancouver. We have a multidisciplinary approach to care within our medical, dental, pharmacy, multi-cultural family centre and an Urgent & Primary Care Centre (UPCC). We are committed to providing inclusive, accessible and sustainable programs and services to support the physical and mental health and well-being of our community and individuals within it.

The REACH UPCC provides triage and delivery of urgent primary care services to any patient who presents themselves during the hours of operation. This program provides urgent primary care to any individual who need it 8am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sundays regardless of whether they are attached to another primary care provider for longitudinal care. While the emphasis is on urgent primary care, REACH UPCC strengthens our existing commitment to the social determinants of health as a foundation for patient care. We are also developing ways of connecting patients to care in the evolving Primary Care Network surrounding the REACH UPCC so that it functions as a hub and integrator in the network.

Position Summary

This is a position for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) working at the full extent of their scope of practice in a primary care setting with a focus on urgent care. The LPN performs a practical supporting role as a critical member of an interdisciplinary team. Using their clinical insight and training they ensure physicians and nurses are provided with much needed information to support their assessments and facilitate efficient flow of patients through the REACH UPCC while maintaining high quality of care.

There are also opportunities in this role for wound management; administration of medications and immunizations; taking electrocardiograms; and performing phlebotomy - all with the required training and decision support tools in place. The ideal LPN will have all the required additional training to work at full scope however it is accepted that some areas may require training after hiring into the position as a part of the individual’s ongoing professional development.

The LPN will have the required skills to assist other team members in the event of a medical emergency requiring stabilization while awaiting transfer to higher levels of care.

They will need to be organized and diligent in maintaining adequate stocking of medical supplies, diagnostics, and immunizations along with required documentation.

The LPN performs job duties through a trauma informed care framework and culturally sensitive and safe lens for families and individuals across the lifespan. It is important that the LPN be willing and interested in working collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team at REACH; be committed to the goal of improving the health of people living in the community; and aligned with REACH values and mission. The nurse reports to the REACH UPCC operations manager and is to follow protocols and procedures as set out by the manager and will have the opportunity to work flexible hours, on evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

Clinical

• Actively participate in a team based care approach to assessing and managing patients presenting with urgent primary care problems. Will primarily be responsible for overseeing and facilitating patient flow through the REACH UPCC.
• After assessment by a health care team member, provides follow up care to address client’s urgent primary care needs.
• Perform specific lab procedures such as urinalysis, urine drug screens, ECG’s, and pregnancy tests
• Perform phlebotomy (age 14 and above) with required training and following decision support tools
• Remove sutures and staples, administer medications, injections and perform basic wound care.
• Maintain the supplies and medical equipment required for exam rooms, treatment room, lab and vaccines in an appropriate and orderly manner.
• Sterilizes instruments and prepares sterile trays for procedures.
• Document client information and data into OSCAR (electronic medical record)
• Under the direction of nursing and physician team members conduct follow up calls for clients within scope of practice as needed.
• Perform immunizations for children and adults.
• Work in collaboration with the team as part of delivering Opioid Agonist Therapy in an urgent care setting.
• Deliver harm reduction support, such as Take Home Naloxone training

Administration

• Maintain records and order all medical, lab, and immunization supplies.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned from time to time.
• In the absence of the UPCC manager assume supervision of all medical reception staff. Assist MOAs with tasks as needed.

Team and centre activities

• Participate actively in staff meetings and board committees.
• Participate in the overall activities of the health centre, e.g. in service training, committees, special events and shared staff responsibilities.
• Communicate clearly, listen accurately, be open to feedback, handle conflict appropriately, and display sensitivity to others.
• Collaborate well with others, promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Participate in REACH’s commitment to becoming discrimination free and an inclusive health centre and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Maintain the reputation and confidentiality of the health centre and its clients at all times.
• Adhere to all applicable REACH policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized Licensed Practical Nurse education program
• Current practicing registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
• Completion of BCCDC Online Immunization Competency Course for Licensed Practical Nurses or willingness to achieve the same shortly after starting position
• Additional training required to perform at full scope in this role as described e.g. taking an ECG; phlebotomy or willingness to achieve the same shortly after starting in position
• A minimum of three years of related experience in a large medical practice or a community health centre or emergency room.
• Current CPR-HCP Certification

Skills

• Able to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the social determinants of health being the foundation for providing care.
• Demonstrates skill in provision of evidence based, ethical, culturally safe and appropriate care to all patients
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills and the ability to multi task in a fast paced environment.
• Experience working with marginalized populations (mental health and addictions, poverty, vulnerable youth, LGBTQ2I+, and other community members) desirable
• Knowledge of community and mental health resources an asset
• Able to speak more than one language an asset
• Demonstrates experience working with electronic medical records an asset