Undergraduate Nurse

As a member of the Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) team, the nurse will work on the in-patient units or in the clinic, with support from the Seniors Ambulatory Clinic and Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. This position provides assessment, consultation and community linkage for frail seniors in their homes and community-dwelling environment. In collaboration with the Specialized Geriatric Services team (Physicians and other team members) and community stakeholders, the nurse will administer a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), plan, implement and evaluate the care of older persons with complex health problems in acute care. In collaboration with the Specialized Geriatric Services physician, formulate a coordinated care plan with the older adult and/or agent that is designed to address conditions identified in the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and to meet the goals of the older adult. The care plan would then be shared with the Specialized Geriatric Services team, the most responsible health care provider and care partner team. Additionally, the nurse will provide follow-up to monitor the implementation of recommendations and adjust plans as necessary. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse participates in regular team meetings with the Specialized Geriatric Services team to review client care and recommendations. The nurse will also provide education directly to older adults, families and care providers/partners.

The Undergraduate Nursing Employee (UNE) position provides an opportunity for the nursing student employed as a UNE to consolidate the knowledge and skill acquired in their approved nursing education program towards competency in the range and complexity of Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) practice. The UNE is an unregulated member of the collaborative health care team who provides patient centred care with the supervision of the RN or RPN. The nursing activities performed, and level of supervision required are determined by legislation, standards of supervision outlined by regulatory colleges, Alberta Health Services (AHS) policy, educational preparation, practice setting, complexity of the patient, level of risk involved, and competency of the UNE.

Current enrolment in an approved Alberta nursing education program leading to initial entry to practice as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse. Current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate. Successful completion of 3rd year of an RN nursing education program and a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice in an approved RN education program; or currently in the final year of an after-degree RN nursing education program and a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice in an approved RN education program; or successful completion of 2nd year of an RPN nursing education program and a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice in an approved RPN education program.

Skills and experience performing functional and cognitive screening tests such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination III (ACE III), Trails A & B. Excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency in computer skills. Demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability in a team environment. Demonstrated ability to function and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team focused on quality client outcomes through best practice consultative care recommendations. Demonstrated desire and passion for working with the older adult population along with their families. Excellent organizational skills and time management skills. Working knowledge of community resources within Red Deer City and the surrounding area. Ability to adapt to change and be flexible in an ever-changing environment.

Previous experience with a Geriatric Outreach team. Experience conducting an environmental risk assessment and safety visit plan. Experience working with patients with a major neurocognitive disorder and/or cognitive impairment in a community setting. Non- Violent Crisis Intervention certification.