(RN) Registered Nurse, Perinatal

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively with the inter-professional care team in the provision of person-centered care, the Registered Nurse, Perinatal provides direct patient care to childbearing patients and their families during the intra, postpartum and high risk antepartum periods by assessing, planning, providing and evaluating nursing care to patients in a perinatal clinical unit. Responsibilities Conducts a comprehensive nursing assessment of the patient and unborn baby on admission and at regular intervals. Allocates patient to appropriate care area within the Maternal Program. Assesses patient and collects information from a variety of sources using skills of observation, communication, data review and physical assessment. Makes a nursing diagnosis of the patient and unborn baby's condition, identifies risk factors and determines appropriate nursing interventions. Initiates emergency care for the patient/fetus/newborn in crisis and transfers patient/newborn to the most appropriate care area. Collaborates with patients and their families/support person, Physicians and members of the inter-professional care team in the development, implementation and ongoing modification of an optimal patient and unborn baby care plan. Establishes a therapeutic relationship by demonstrating empathy, trust and respect, advocating for the patient's rights to privacy, dignity and access to information; ensures patient's choice and autonomy in decision making and care planning. Participates in the care and discharge planning process for patients on admission; ensures the care plan is established and implemented effectively; updates care plan and intervenes as appropriate, collaborates with the inter-professional care team to ensure comprehensive care planning and delivery, and collaborates and communicates with the Patient Care Coordinator on issues that affect the care/discharge plan. Coordinates nursing care for the patient and makes referrals to the inter-professional care team according to established protocols and practice standards. Collaborates with members of the inter-professional care team including Physicians, Patient Care Coordinators, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals/providers as required in the identification and resolution of issues, changes in patient condition, and adjustments to care plans. Teaches patients and families/support person focusing on health promotion regarding the pregnancy condition, the birth experience, postpartum, newborn care and parenting. Assesses learning needs of the patient and family/support person; provides information and demonstration of care activities to support self-care and the discharge plan. Plans and discusses referral information with patient and their families/support person and, in collaboration with members of the inter-professional care team, initiates referrals to appropriate health care/community agencies. Documents assessments, nursing diagnosis, observations, interventions, patient/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures. Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice. Acts as a preceptor or mentor to guide the clinical experience of assigned new nursing staff and students; promotes the philosophy of family centered care; shares information, demonstrates care activities, and participates in orientation. Provides feedback to the Manager/delegate on the effectiveness of patient care programs, policy/clinical decision support tools (e.g. clinical pathways, standards of care, order sets and procedures), and equipment. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities; identifies patient care issues, collects data, provides input/recommendations to the inter-disciplinary team on corrective action, and promotes changes to practices, procedures and protocols. Reports safety and risk concerns through the Patient Safety Learning System. Participates on designated program and professional committees, care conferences and councils as assigned, or as agreed to with the Manager. Participates in research and special projects in collaboration with other members of the inter-professional team; collects and/or interprets data, and provides input for further analysis as required. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduate from an approved School of Nursing. Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). One years recent, related clinical perinatal nursing experience in the designated clinical area and completion of post graduate basic course work and/or certification in perinatal nursing applicable to the designated clinical area, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Skills and Abilities Ability to complete initial and ongoing patient assessment (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) and apply maternal/fetal/newborn theory and expertise to provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, and safety interventions. Ability to recognize acuity changes. Ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence informed practice. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families/support person, the public, medical staff and members of the inter-professional care team using verbal, written and electronic communication means. Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for patients and families/support person, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, and patient advocacy. Ability to integrate and evaluate data from multiple sources to problem-solve effectively. Ability to work independently and to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the inter-professional care team. Ability to teach and instruct patients and families/support person on topics essential to their health care and well-being. Ability to organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment. Ability to deal with and promote change. Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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