Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurses in this role practice within a highly specialized, high-acuity Gastroenterology/Hepatology subspecialty unit in the Medicine Program. The patient population is complex and frequently unstable, including acute gastrointestinal bleeding, advanced liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy), post-endoscopic and interventional complications, and multi-system comorbidities. This unit requires nurses to possess and apply specialized Gastroenterology/Hepatology knowledge and skills to safely manage disease-specific presentations, anticipate complications, and respond to rapid clinical deterioration. The unit also manages a significant proportion (approximately 30-50%) of off-service patients, contributing to a highly dynamic and unpredictable care environment. The role includes administration of blood products, management of continuous IV infusions, and advanced monitoring. Nurses routinely care for patients with substance use disorders and behavioural challenges, requiring well-developed de-escalation skills and clinical judgment. The unit operates with a strong focus on patient flow, rapid turnover, and timely discharges. Nurses are expected to proactively coordinate discharge planning in collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team, including allied health, to facilitate efficient and safe transitions of care. This requires strong organizational skills, anticipation of discharge needs, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. The workload is consistently high, requiring the ability to manage multiple high-acuity patients with competing priorities and frequent interruptions. The RN is expected to function to full scope of practice and contribute to maintaining patient safety within a demanding and specialized clinical setting.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you are part of an interprofessional health care team, utilizing nursing processes, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. You will be guided by your education, experience, and demonstrated skill level, in alignment with applicable legislation, standards of practice, policies, and procedures. You will play a key role in providing safe, high quality, patient and family centred care while reflecting the shared vision and values of the organization.

Completion of an accredited practical nurse education program. Active or eligible for registration and a practice permit as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

2-5 years of recent GI/Hepatology acute care nursing experience Demonstrated specialized knowledge and clinical competence in the care of GI/Hepatology patients, including management of GI bleeding, liver disease, and post-procedural care Charge nurse experience or demonstrated leadership in acute care Demonstrated ability to support patient flow, including proactive discharge planning and coordination with interdisciplinary and allied health teams Demonstrated ability to manage medical patients with multiple comorbidities and rapidly changing clinical status GI/Hepatology specific education or equivalent training Experience with blood product administration, continuous IV infusions, and advanced patient monitoring Proven ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high workload environment with frequent interruptions Experience managing rapid patient turnover and competing priorities while maintaining patient safety Competence in managing patients with substance use disorders and behavioral challenges, including de-escalation and safety strategies Ability to work to full scope of practice (physically, mentally, and emotionally) in a demanding environment Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, communication, and time management Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team Experience with Connect Care Commitment to ongoing professional development and specialty skill advancement