Geriatric Assessor-inpatient Geriatric Consultation

**Start Date: as soon as possible**

**Hours of Work: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday to Friday**

**Pay rate, benefits and other terms and conditions are as per the ONA Collective Agreement**

Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurses provide specialized nursing services in Emergency Departments (ED) for older adults living with / at risk of frailty to the ED.

GEM nurses provide expert and targeted geriatric assessment and treatment services in the Emergency Department; they enhance linkage with hospital and community services and are advocates for the older adults living with/at risk of frailty they serve.

GEM nurses also contribute to capacity building among others working in the ED, as well as community partners, by sharing knowledge and skills, acting as resource clinicians, and collaborating with others in the care of older adults. GEM nurses spend time each week teaching, mentoring and coaching, and supporting the implementation of Senior Friendly Care and geriatric protocols in the ED, across acute care organizations and in other environments.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education & Training**:
1. Minimum of a four (4) year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), from an accredited university.

2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

**Experience**:
1. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working within Specialized Geriatric Services and completing assessment and treatment guided by the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.

**DUTIES**

1. Assist in the implementation of standardized protocols to identify, screen and refer the high-risk older adults in the emergency department, including ongoing education and training.

2. Complete GEM assessments that are aligned to the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA model and assess all domains including medical/surgical history, medication, continence, social history, falls, function, cognition, mood/mental health, sleep, pain, nutrition, physical assessment.

3. Provide appropriate assessments and consultation to identify acute symptoms, underlying health conditions, physical, functional, emotional and cognitive status, home environment issues and home supports needed for the at-risk elderly identified in the emergency department.

4. Analyze and synthesize findings from geriatric assessment into a comprehensive clinical report identifying client’s priority needs and relevant treatment options designed to optimize their independence.

5. Make recommendations for care for older adults at risk/living with frailty and assist in their implementation within the emergency department, and other hospital services, including specialized geriatric services.

6. Develop a person-centered, goal-oriented and individualized care plan that is aligned with domains of the CGA. This plan should address modifiable biopsychosocial factors and consider medical diagnosis/prognosis and co-morbidities that impact the health goals of older adults.

7. Assist in transition planning including developing linkages with community services (e.g. family physician, Community Care Access Centre, long-term care settings, ambulatory care RGP services), arrange transportation and equipment needs, coordinate appropriate follow up care and provide education and training in the management of health care needs, including guidance on community-based resources, medications and medical equipment.

8. Develop innovative solutions to address concerns with patient transfers between the ER and other community providers (may include education, development of protocols, etc) with a view to building capacity in the system.

9. Educate patients, families, and staff both formally and informally regarding the particular needs of older adults and the specialized care they require in the ED.

10. Recommend and educate compensatory and remedial strategies, activity modification, adaptive equipment, and assistive devices to the older adult and care partner to promote safety and maximize functional independence.

11. Educate client and family in coping strategies, decision-making, and utilization of personal and community resources, and make referrals to community resources as required.

12. Ensure that a senior friendly care approach is implemented within the emergency department and includes processes for screening, prevention, management, and monitoring of functional decline and delirium.

13. Communicate directly with the attending team, clients, families and community partners throughout the intervention process to make clear recommendations and assist in their implementation.

14. Document assessment findings, analysis, treatment plans, client goals, client’s ongoing progress, effectiveness of treatment plan, and government/insurance/legal forms according to Regulatory College Standards and organizational policies.

15. Collaborate with clients, families, interprofessional team members, and community partners throughout the intervention process and adv