Nurses: Clinical Nurse Specialist (GEM) Nurse-Temporary Full Time

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The GEM nurse is a specialized clinical resource providing advanced gerontological expertise in the assessment and treatment of frail elderly in the NHH Emergency Department, serving as a consultant and in some cases, as a direct caregiver for elderly patients and their families through assessment, caregiver support, high risk screening, and coordination of assessment, ED care, and follow-up.

Using in-depth knowledge of geriatric care, the GEM nurse will provide targeted assessment and treatment; enhance linkages with hospital and community services; advocate for the needs of frail seniors and where appropriate work with community partners to avoid unnecessary in-patient admission, and create smooth transitions between the hospital and community.  

In addition to clinical responsibilities within the ED, the GEM nurse serves the organization as a leader, role model, educator, and change agent supporting, informing, and advocating for best practices in seniors care.  Related activities may include participation and/or leadership of relevant organizational committees; participation in selected community committees; assistance with coordination of Seniors’ Month activities; and other duties as required. In his/her role as a geriatric educator and capacity builder within the ED, hospital, and community, the GEM nurse collaborates with the interprofessional team and diverse stakeholders to build system capacity to ensure that frail seniors at risk receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The GEM nurse reports dually to the NHH Emergency Department Program Director for clinical service and to Seniors Care Network with accountability for gathering and reporting GEM metrics and data, and contributing to regional programming, while contributing to professional practice at NHH and collaborating closely with members of the professional practice team in the promotion of gerontological best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the development and implementation of standardized protocols to screen and refer the high-risk elderly in the emergency department.
• Provide appropriate assessments 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.
• Ensure that patient issues with falls and mobility, cognitive status, nutrition, elimination, mental health, safety, functional status and self-care are identified and addressed
• Make recommendations for care for frail seniors and assist in their implementation within the emergency department, and other hospital services, including specialized geriatric services.
• Assist in the development of linkages with community services (e.g. family physician, Community Care Access Centre, long-term care settings, ambulatory care RGP services).
• Educate patients/families/staff both formally and informally regarding the particular needs of the elderly and the specialized care they require in the ED. 
• Participate in research and in ongoing ED quality improvement initiatives, including collecting outcome data for the GEM service.
• Provide support to the emergency department in developing elder-friendly emergency health care environment. 
• In line with GEM mandate, may assist neighboring hospitals in improving GEM capacity.
• Participate in program evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Attend the yearly GEM RN conference hosted by RGP Toronto
• Participate in provincial GEM liaison group activities and maintain links with other GEM nurses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario

• Master’s Degree in Nursing required

• Minimum three years experience in geriatrics and / or emergency services

• CNA certifications in Emergency Nursing and Gerontological Nursing preferred

• Proven knowledge, skill, and experience in geriatric care and gerontological best practices

• Evidence of ongoing learning in specialty area

• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication

• Excellent interpersonal, teaching, and knowledge mobilization skills

• Advanced knowledge of nursing process, program planning, research methodology and crisis management

• Ability to function collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team

• Ability to practice in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision

• Knowledge of College of Nursing of Ontario standards of practice and standards of practice in area of specialty

• Knowledge of local seniors care resources

• Ability to identify potential for patient risk and intervene appropriately

• Knowledge of adult learning and learning theories

• Proven analytical thinking and problem solving skills

• Knowledge of current and future trends in area of specialty in nursing

• Strong computer skills utilizing MS Office Suite products (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and audiovisual equipment

   

  PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Able to work in an active, rapidly changingenvironment with multiple demands

• Demonstrates understanding of, compliance with, and commitment to patient safety responsibilities and corresponding hospital plans, policies and procedures, to ensure a healthy and safe work environment