Flight Critical Nurse

Position Type:
Temporary - Temporaire *
Closing date:
2024-12-10 *
Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medavie Health Services (MHS) that manages and operates ground ambulance, air medical transport and the medical communications operations in Nova Scotia through a performance-based contract with the provincial government's Emergency Health Services (EHS) Operations division and the Department of Health and Wellness. As well, EMC operates TeleHealth/811 medical communications for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island for the Department of Health.

We access all communities in Nova Scotia in a timely and efficient manner with our fleet of more than 180 ambulances and support vehicles operating out of 60+ stations. We respond to 165,000+ calls annually across the province, which are actively managed through the EHS Operations Medical Communications Centre, the hub of all emergency (911) and non-emergency (hospital transfers) medical calls.

The EHS Operations LifeFlight program provides even greater accessibility by responding to patients on scene or through inter-facility transports by our critical care team via helicopter, fixed wing, or ground ambulance.

In addition, paramedics in Nova Scotia participate in various programs both urban and rural such as community-based paramedic programs, collaborative emergency centres, and emergency preparedness and special operations, to name a few.

There are lots of opportunities waiting for you in Nova Scotia. Apply now to learn more about our service and available positions.
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Job Description

Reporting to the Operations Support Supervisor the Adult Critical Care Nurse (CCN) is part of the adult medical team which is generally comprised of a Critical Care Nurse and Critical Care Paramedic. The Critical Care Nurse and Critical Care Paramedic operate as a team. The CCN is accountable for providing clinical care to patients within an aviation and ground transport environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to direct patient care, documentation, incorporating advanced assessment, stabilization and intervention skills working under standards and protocols approved by the EHS LifeFlight Medical Director. The CCN is expected to execute independent critical thinking skills in order to deliver appropriate care that is consistent with nurse’s scope of practice and delegated medical functions and to work well in a team with direct medical oversight.
As an employee of EMC we are accountable to our patients and coworkers by participating in and supporting all safety related initiatives, as well as acting in a manner that fosters a culture that focuses on patient safety and a safe workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The position entails, but is not limited to the following:
Professional Practice
Demonstrates accountability for own nursing practice by complying with Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics, College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS) standards for nursing practice, and the Bylaws for Professional Nursing.
Delivers appropriate patient care within the RN’s scope of practice
Performs advanced patient assessment, stabilization, and intervention skills, working under standards of care and the protocols approved by EHS LifeFlight Medical Director.
Performs advanced skills, such as delegated medical functions, which are approved by the EHS LifeFlight Medical Director and approved by the College of Registered Nurses.
Demonstrates the ability to deliver efficient and effective patient care within a confined space in a manner that ensures the safety of the patient and the transport team
Demonstrates ability to operate critical life support equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of all communications equipment and ensures professional interaction with all recipients.
Completes accurate Patient Care Records (PCR) and all other work-related documentation within required time frames. The RN will ensure that the chart is accurate and complete for each mission
Ensures that all required medical supplies are present and performs equipment and system checks in preparation and following all transports.
Maintains and is accountable for their own professional competencies through participation in continuing education sessions, successful completion of required skills training, and clinical exposure under the oversight and direction of the Medical Director.
Ensures ongoing development and maintenance of own knowledge, skills and abilities through self evaluation, feedback from colleagues and supervisors, and identification of learning needs.
Displays capability to make decisions and takes initiative, as needed.
Complies with EHS LifeFlight policies and procedures, daily operational procedures, code of conduct and confidentiality agreements.
Obtains additional clinical hours at a tertiary care centre in an approved critical care area to support their required skills and knowledge as a critical care nurse.
Risk and Safety
Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of Aviation and Ground Ambulance Safety and participates in an environment of safe medical transport operations.
Promotes a safe working environment by identifying and resolving potential risk issues.
Actively implements safety measures to protect self and others from injury.
Leadership
Participates actively in the development of peers using methods such as sharing knowledge and resources, providing feedback, preceptoring, role modeling, mentoring and coaching. Promotes an environment conducive to learning for all new staff members.
Functions as an ambassador for EHS, EHS LifeFlight, and Emergency Medical Care Inc.
Contributes to the development of professional nursing practice within EHS LifeFlight and EMC through participation and leadership in program, organizational, and professional activities/committees as requested by the organizations.
Quality Management
Supports and participate in the Accreditation process and Quality Management Program.
Participates in the review and development of operational policy, procedures and protocols.
Participates and supports clinical research under the direction of the Medical Director to develop best practices and evidence based protocols.
Other
Takes initiative in maximizing downtime and utilizing this time in a productive manner by being an active participant in at least one project or committee within the EHS LifeFlight structure. Will provide a downtime utilization status report annually.
Performs routine duties and other comparable or related duties as may be required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
BScN/BN or other post-secondary degree.
Post RN critical care or emergency program.
Previous air/ground medical transport experience.
Experience in computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Current registration or eligible for registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CCRNS).
A minimum of five years clinical experience in health care with a minimum of three years critical care experience in a tertiary care or high volume centre.
Current Certification BLS-C and ACLS.
Previous pediatric patient care experience, an asset.
Current certification in BTLS, ATLS (audit), NRP, PTLS and PALS, an asset.
Completion of a leadership course, an asset.
Instructor PALS, BLS-C, ACLS, an asset.
Knowledge & Skills:
Must maintain active employment in a critical care setting or a high volume ground ambulance system.
Strong practical knowledge of ICU practices and pharmacology.
Good and physical coordination and ability to withstand strenuous physical movements spent standing, kneeling, bending, and lifting. Must be able to lift 50 lbs independently.
Compliance with the EMC/EHS LifeFlight Weight policy.
Evidence of a commitment to professional and personal development.
Good eyesight (or corrective lenses) and accurate color vision.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical appraisal completed by a physician approved by the EHS LifeFlight.
Able to work in a rapidly changing environment (institutional and community) and in the confines of a transport vehicle (helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft or ground ambulance).
Demonstrates flexibility within a work schedule that includes shift work, standby, on-call and extended overtime, as needed.
Exhibits strong leadership, critical thinking, collaborative, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate well and promote positive interpersonal relationships with patients, families and other health care professionals.
Demonstrated ability for managing competing priorities.
Effective oral and written communications.
Enthusiastic and innovative.
Ability to work independently, as well as a team member.
Demonstrates a commitment to clinical research that supports the development of best practices and evidence based protocols.
Physical Requirements:
Environment involves indoor and outdoor work in possible extreme weather. Strenuous physical movements spent standing, kneeling, bending, lifting and confined in tight spaces. Prolonged noises from sirens and flight. May be exposed to patients with communicable diseases. Irregular working schedules, shift work, standby and extended overtime as needed. May encounter violent patients.
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Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We are committed to building an inclusive team that represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, races, perspectives and skills. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify.