Licensed Practical Nurse, Correctional Health Services

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 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works collaboratively with the interprofessional team to provide health care services to patients (inmates) with physical and/or mental health, substance dependence, concurrent disorder and chronic disease. The LPN identifies and monitors inmate’s actual and potential strengths and limitations including psychosocial, physiological, psychological, social-cultural and spiritual needs. Duties also include planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care within an interprofessional clinical framework in accordance with Standards of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia and consistent with the mission, vision and values of the Provincial Health Services Authority and BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services as well as with established protocols

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Assesses and identifies patient’s actual and potential strengths and limitations including physiological, psychological, social-cultural and spiritual needs. Provides emotional support as needed.
2. Contributes to the development and modification of individualized care plans by identifying patient priorities/plans and suggests revisions of the nursing care plan as required for stable patients.
3. Performs a variety of nursing procedures such as taking blood pressures, heights and weights, and urine testing as directed; and communicates patient information to in-charge nurses (RN/RPN), physicians, and other appropriate members of the team.
4. Monitors status of patients in relation to anticipated outcomes. Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions by comparing actual outcomes to anticipated outcomes. Reports unanticipated changes and concerns to the nurse-in-charge.
5. Maintains complete and accurate computerized and paper records through methods such as tracking results /consults documentation, and inputting data and documentation in accordance with established procedures and policies appropriately on the patient’s health record.
6. Reviews the medication administration record for each patient and checks with the nurse-in-charge or the physician regarding any concerns.
7. Stores all patient medications according to standards and agency directives.
8. Delivers medications consistent with the written care plan, physician orders and in accordance with the standards of British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) and established procedures; assesses their effectiveness and documents all patient medications.
9. Assists RN/RPN and physicians in the performance of various examinations, treatments and diagnostic procedures such as physical examinations. Assists RN/RPNs in caring for patients with unpredictable outcomes or where the acuity or complexity of care requires an advanced level of knowledge and skill beyond the scope of practice for LPN.
10. Works in collaboration with the treatment team to assist the patient with his/her program requirements by methods such as monitoring program requirements and motivational interviewing.
11. Ensures that infection control protocols are followed by all patients and personnel by observing behaviours. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
12. Performs regular security functions to maintain the safety and security of patients, staff, families and the general public at all times and takes immediate action to mitigate risks, as well as reporting all real and potential risk issues. Assesses individual patient risks factors and incorporates risk mitigation strategies into patients’ care plans in order to optimize safety and security for staff, other inmates and the general public.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses plus 1 year of experience working with offenders and/or in secure health care settings, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full practicing licensure with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Occupational First Aid Level 2 certification (OFA Level 3 certification for positions at the Ford Mountain Correctional Centre)