Join Our Team

QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY

•  Successful completion of an approved Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) program.
•  Current certificate of competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
•  Demonstrated knowledge of College of Nurses of Ontario Medication Practice Standard
•  Demonstrated knowledge of systematic BPMH process at all care transitions to perform the task safely and competently
•  Formal medication reconciliation/BPMH training (such as programs offered by ISMP) preferred
•  Five (5) years of clinical nursing experience required.
•  Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to Riverside’s mission, vision, and values.

Problem Solving:

• Utilize critical thinking skills to support patient assessment and treatment using the most appropriate resources.
•  Recognize and acknowledge patient issues and concerns utilizing best practice approaches to support patients to find acceptable resolution.
• Exercise judgment in managing competing demands based on understanding of priorities.

•  Work independently utilizing appropriate resources for support as needed

Physical and Working Conditions

•  Extended hours of standing and/or sitting required.
•  Ability to prioritize workload.

•  Self-motivated with the ability to perform work assignments with minimal supervision and good judgment
• Moderate levels of stress related to workload and multi-tasking as well as constantly changing priorities

Knowledge and Skill

• Previous experience in medication safety.
• Strong knowledge of medications, pharmacy operations and clinical pharmacy activities within a hospital environment.
• Proficient in the use of Meditech and Microsoft Office applications and other required operating systems such as bar-coding systems, smart-pumps, automated dispensing systems, packaging equipment, physician order entry, and clinical decision support systems.
• Thorough understanding of external resources such as Healthcare Excellence Canada, Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP), College of Nurses of Ontario Medication Standards, Accreditation Canada standards, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
•  High degree of knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and jurisprudence in information management, including, but not limited to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Accreditation Canada Standards, and College of Nurses Documentation Standards
•  Excellent communication skills and collaboration when interacting with patients, family members, and other members of the health care team.
• Class G Ontario drivers license, flexibility to travel to other sites
• Excellent organizational ad time management skills
•  Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and patient safety.
• Ability to review and analyze data and ability to generate metrics as well as written and verbal reports
• Demonstrated satisfactory attendance levels, work performance, disciplinary history, and positive work references.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent is responsible for collecting and verifying a patient's comprehensive medication regimen during transitions of care (e.g., hospital admission, transfer, or discharge). Their primary goal is to prevent medication errors by compiling an accurate medication snapshot.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. . Performs and completes Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) for new admissions, transfers or repatriation within 24 hours of admission by interviewing patients, gathering medication lists from clinical viewer and retail pharmacy lists and entering the information in Meditech.
2. . Assists the nursing staff by completing and following up on BPMH completions on all units, especially in the Emergency Department and the Operating Room.
3. . Assists pharmacy staff in confirming and investigating issues relating to patients’ home medications and gathers the necessary information about the patient’s medical history.
4. . Participates and assists in planning education events that contribute to medication safety through knowledge and experience of medication use systems (prescribing, administration, documentation, and monitoring) by developing Surge Learning courses and other education opportunities. Including the ISMP Medication Reconciliation workshop each year or as deemed necessary.
5. . Reviews, coordinates, and implements inter-and intradepartmental medication safety initiatives as required.
6. . Communicates periodically with the Electronic Health Records (EHR) team to coordinate training for staff around BPMHs and reports any Meditech issues to the team.
7. . Maintains effective communication with colleagues and leadership teams on quality initiatives and reports on any BPMH issues.
8. . Works on developing and updating policies and standard operating procedures relating to medication safety, safe handling of medications and medication storage.
9. . Communicates (verbal and written) clearly and effectively with other healthcare providers including pharmacists, physicians, and nurses as well as the effective use of documentation through entering progress notes, and different routines on Meditech.
10.  Fosters team environment by building relationships between departments, providing clinical education, support, and training to staff members.
11.  Supports nursing staff to maintain safe medication areas, e.g. medication rooms, WOWs (workstation on wheels), ADU (automated dispensing units) etc.
12.  Investigates and follows up on specific medication related incidents as referred to and directed by the Director or Pharmacist. Provides the team with ideas for different educational opportunities for staff members.
13.  Stays up to date with ever-changing technological applications, related to Medication Reconciliation.
14.  Uses external resources such as the Healthcare Excellence Canada, Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP), College of Nurses of Ontario Medication Standards, Accreditation Canada standards, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
15.  Performs all aspects of registered practical nursing duties in accordance with the RHC policies, procedures and standard operating procedures, standards of practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, current research, and best practice guidelines.
16.  Performs various audits as needed, analyzing data collected and preparing monthly, quarterly, annual reports as necessary.
17.  Ensures a healthy and safe workplace by being a proactive role model, promotes the internal responsibility system and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and encourages staff participation in all safety and wellness programs.
18.  Adheres to safe work practices in all aspects of position as per policy and procedures, identifies and reports hazardous conditions and promotes a healthy and safe work environment by example.
19.  Promotes a work environment free from aggression and unacceptable behavior by personal example and following organizational policies and the RHC code of conduct.
20.  Demonstrates highest standards of customer and patient service for all internal and external interactions and customers.
21.  Prioritizes and supports a healthy and safe patient environment by creating an environment whereby patient safety is paramount, addressing and reporting hazardous conditions as soon as identified.
22.  Participates in continuing education and professional development to ensure up to date and current practices in all aspects of the position.
23.  Performs other such duties from time to time as may be designated by the Director, Therapeutic Services.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Human Resource Policies

2. Corporation Policies

3. Departmental Policies