Year: 2020

New Visiting Rules – Sept. 17th, 2020

Please see the following information about the visitation that begins next week.

Prior to all visits, visitors must be screened using the provincial screening tool. This screening is a mandatory requirement from the Department of Health and Wellness & Public Health.

It is imperative that all visitors stay away from the RK MacDonald with the slightest cold or flu-like symptoms in order to support the safety of all.

Please click here to view the whole document.

Visitation Overview – September 17th, 2020

Please see the following information about the visitation that begins next week.

Prior to all visits, visitors must be screened using the provincial screening tool. This screening is a mandatory requirement from the Department of Health and Wellness & Public Health.

It is imperative that all visitors stay away from the RK MacDonald with the slightest cold or flu-like symptoms in order to support the safety of all.

Please click here to view the whole document.

Visitation Rules – Sept. 9th, 2020

Dear Family and Friends of RK MacDonald Nursing Home:

As you are aware, another announcement was made Tuesday regarding visitation in Long Term Care facilities in Nova Scotia.

We received the confirmation of these changes and accompanying regulations mid-afternoon on Friday, September 4, 2020.

We are in the process of organizing our resources to ensure that we follow the regulations as mandated to each facility. This will include reaching out to Residents and Substitute Decision Makers to identify designated care providers by the end of the week.

We are also in the process of developing a required education/training program for visitors as well as working through the directive details to ensure we have resources to pre-screen all visitors by phone prior to their visit. We are in the process of developing and ordering the necessary signage, developing the required education/training program and ensuring we have adequate hand washing/ hand sanitizing supplies and procedural masks for everyone.

Given the volume of people and the requirements to pre-screen and the cleaning that is mandated after the visit, we will begin with designated visitation times in care areas and for larger care areas, visitation for designated bed and room numbers as we need to take into account the double occupancy of many rooms as well as the requirement for physical distancing. This means that our capacity to support these visits will most likely translate to a weekly visit for one designated care provider in addition to the indoor/outdoor/virtual visits that are already occurring.

At this time, we are asking designated care providers to support their loved one’s well being by participating with preferred activities during visiting hours.

We will not be able to start visitation on Friday, September 11 as announced but are working diligently to get the necessary requirements and resources in place to support visitation as soon as possible. We know you are anxious to be with your loved ones and we are looking forward to having you back as well. We cannot permit visitation however, until all criteria in the directive are met and we determine how best to use our existing resources to support these enhanced visits.

We will continue with the visits-indoor, outdoor and virtual- booking through the Recreation Department.

We will have more information soon about how we can support the designated care provider and the role within the Home.

In the coming days, either the Resident or the Substitute Decision Maker will be contacted to identify two potential designated care providers. Emails and phone numbers will be collected for these individuals.

While the announcement is exciting, there are many logistics and considerations that must be met by the facility. We have included the document on the website for you to read if you would like.

Thank you for your continued patience.
Michelle Thompson

CCA (Continuing Care Assistant) Career

INTERESTED IN A CAREER AS A CCA (Continuing Care Assistant)?

Check us out!

We have immediately vacancies for this valuable role.

The Home is a rich and vibrant community that recognizes and appreciates the uniqueness of every person who lives and works here.  This uniqueness of spirit and character drives the life plan for our residents.  We strive to provide the best possible care and services to our clients and as a result, we are looking for people who genuinely care.

We are looking for candidates to fill vacancies who:

  • Have an interest in being a caregiver in a Health Care Environment
  • Is kind, caring and compassionate
  • Value’s align with the Core Values of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home (C.A.R.E.S.)
  • Always wanted to become a Continuing Care Assistant
  • Is interested in working as part of a friendly, supportive and skilled team specifically in a Long Term Care setting
  • Worked in other careers or in the Home and looking for a rewarding Career Change
  • Is a PCW (PSW,HSW) currently working to have your credentials and skills recognized and want to be employed while working towards certification as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)
  • Do not hold a CCA certificate, but have been working in the role of a Personal Care Worker; Home Support Worker’; Long Term Care Assistant and other classifications
  • Are a graduate from a related Health and Human Services program such as : Social and Community Support; Social Services; Community Residential Worker; Human Services Worker; and are interested in obtaining your certification as a Continuing Care Assistant.

We can offer you:

  • Provide and invest in in-house education, employment opportunity, clinical mentorship, and assistance to collaborated with the PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment Recognition) Program at Health Association Nova Scotia (HANS) with support of DHW to support candidates to becoming Continuing Care Assistants – (Train and Work)
  • Comprehensive Benefit package including Pension contributions (NSHEPP), Vacation, Holiday, Sick benefits (upon completion of 528-hrs. probation period. Health Benefits: Health, Dental, Travel, life and Corporate rate to Good life Fitness.

If this sounds like you:

You can express your interest by submitting your cover letter and resume outlining your desire to become a CCA online at jobs@rkmacdonald.ca to the attention of the Human Resource Coordinator, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, 64 Pleasant Street, Antigonish NS. B2G 1W7

Update to Familys about New Visitation Rules

Dear Family and Friends of R.K. MacDonald:

Yesterday Dr. Strang and Premier MacNeil announced some changes to visitation in LTC facilities. We will be implementing the changes over the course of the next week. Many people have their visits booked next week and we will carry on with those visits as planned. If after reading the new guidelines you wish to consider an indoor visit, please reach out to Recreation. We will be hosting these visits in a designated area within the Home which we are setting up over the next couple of business day.

You will now be able to greet your loved one and say goodbye to your loved one with a brief hug or handshake providing you perform hand hygiene before and ensure you are wearing a mask. If hand hygiene is not performed or the mask is removed during the contact, the facility must reach out to Public Health for advice and direction related to potential isolation requirements, COVID testing requirements etc.

The new rules are as follows:

On-site visits are intended to support the emotional well-being of residents and are limited to the following restrictions:

  • One (1) identified family/social visitor, per resident, per visit for indoor visitation.
  • Up to five (5) visitors, per resident, per visit for outdoor visitation.

The following is an excerpt from the document “Guidelines for Visits, Hair Salons and Social Activities” we received yesterday after the announcement from Public Health and the Department of Health and Wellness. A copy of the full document is available on the website.

The approach for visitation (indoor and outdoor) are as followed :

  • Visits will be scheduled in advance between the visitor and facility. The number of visitors allowed within the facility will be guided by the level of risk for COVID-19 in the facility and Province, and will be limited to effectively support physical distancing practice while supporting meaningful social connection with the resident.
  • Staff must receive visitors in the designated waiting area upon arrival and accompany them to the designated visit area either on the grounds of or within the facility. Visitors should be received at the door or entrance to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the facility, if possible.
  • Staff must screen all visitors for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 using the pre-screening tool (Appendix D). Visitors with signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as well as those in self-isolation or quarantine as required by Nova Scotia Health Protection Act Order, will not be permitted to visit.
  • Staff must instruct visitors to perform hand hygiene, practice respiratory etiquette, abide by physical distancing, and wear a mask during their visit. For outdoor visits only, once a visitor and resident are at the outdoor visiting area, if physical distancing can be maintained, the visitor’s and/or the resident’s mask may be safely removed, if the mask is negatively impacting communication. However, due to a number of factors dependent on individual facilities, staff, visitors and residents, the safety of this must be determined at the facility level. This can be done on a visit by visit basis, or through a facility-specific protocol on mask removal.
  • Staff must sign in and sign out all visitors using the facility’s established visitation log.
  •  Staff must direct visitors to the designated visitation space, check in periodically to ensure that restrictions are followed, and will accompany visitors in their exit from the facility immediately after their visit.
  • Staff must assist the resident with proper hand hygiene before and after each visitation.
  • Any furniture and surfaces used in visitation areas will be cleaned and disinfected as per NSHA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Infection Prevention & Control for Long-Term Care Settings at the end of each visit. Time should be scheduled between visits to allow for cleaning and disinfecting and supporting in the movement of residents to and from the visiting areas.

It is important that facilities are able to provide safe oversight for visitation, which includes the provision of adequate staffing to provide visitor pre-screening at time of booking and screening upon arrival to facility, education on necessary Infection Prevention and Control procedures, monitoring of visitation, and sanitization of visiting spaces.

If families choose an Indoor visit- both the resident and the family member must wear medical grade masks and remain 6 feet apart for the duration of the visit. One will be provided for you.

If the visit is conducted outside, the resident and visitor may remove their masks providing physical distancing is maintained.

The full guidelines are posted on the website for people to read and review. I would encourage families to review these guidelines.

You will continue to book visits through the Recreation Department, as you are already doing and you can indicate if you would like to have an Indoor or outdoor visit based on the guidelines noted above. Indoor, outdoor, fence and virtual visits remain available.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to uphold and implemented the guidelines outlined by Department of health and Wellness and Public Health.

Michelle Thompson
CEO R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home
64 Pleasant St, Antigonish, NS
B2G 2K9
Phone: 902-863-2578 ext 232
Email: mthompson@rkmacdonald.ca
Fax: 902-863-4437

Podiatry Technician

POSITION: Podiatry Technician
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Care

Reporting to the RN-Charge, the Podiatry Technician provides prophylactic and therapeutic care activities related to podiatric care and treatment involved within the scope of podiatry certification. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home he/she has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, Podiatry Technician serves as a positive role model; as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, and represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Functions and Responsibilities

  • Understands that the Resident and family are central to all departmental activities, services and decisions
  • Establishes and maintains working relationships and performs all work in keeping with the Mission, Vision, Values and philosophy of resident centered care of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home
  • To promote and maintain the safety of Residents, staff, and visitors as a strategic priority for the home at all times.
  • Care and cutting of nails & drilling when necessary
  • Foot soaks
  • Manual or electric massage
  • Corn and callus removal and treatment.
  • Cream massage and application of protective padding.
  • Regular foot examination of all residents on a routine basis.
  • Recommends appropriate footwear, when indicated.

Education, Training, and Experience

  • RN/LPN
  • Registered with licensing body (CRNNS, CLPNNS)
  • Advanced Foot Care Certification

Key Competencies

  • Attention to detail
  • Customer focus
  • Reliability
  • Listening skills
  • Adaptability
  • Planning and organizing
  • Team work
  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • High energy levels

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

General Worker (Housekeeping)

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

POSITION: General Worker (Housekeeping)
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Environmental & Food Services

Reporting to the Director of Environmental Services, the General Worker provides general housekeeping services to maintain a clean, sanitary, comfortable and tidy environment for the Home.  As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home he/she has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the General Worker serves as a positive role model; as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, and represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Functions and Responsibilities

  1. Understands that the Resident and family are central to all departmental activities, services and decisions
  2. Establishes and maintains working relationships and performs all work in keeping with the Mission, Vision, Values and philosophy of resident centered care of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home
  3. To promote and maintain the safety of Residents, staff, and visitors as a strategic priority for the home at all times.
  4. Work as a team with other departments in the Home.
  5. Attend monthly Department meetings and serve on other committees as required.
  6. Assist in training of new staff.
  7. Ability to organize and complete assigned workloads.
  8. Work under constant interruptions in daily work routines.
  9. Knowledge of the safe use of all department equipment.
  10. Report necessary repairs to Director of ES or Supervisor.
  11. Assist Director or Supervisor in evaluating new equipment and chemical products.
  12. Attend and participate in education in-services, workshops, seminars, etc.
  13. Participates with multidisciplinary meetings for residents in their working unit.
  14. General cleaning of specific areas such as Resident rooms, washrooms, common areas i.e., dining rooms, hallways and offices.
  15. Dry and damp mop floors and vacuum carpets.
  16. Wash and dust beds, furnishings, utensils, and equipment as per established procedures.
  17. Waste collection in all areas of home or Manor.
  18. Clean elevators, doors, walls, and floors.
  19. Houseclean all rooms and do high dusting with use of a ladder.
  20. Knowledge of how to operate all housekeeping equipment, i.e., auto scrubber, side-to-side, and other related equipment.
  21. Replenish supplies in the work area on a weekly basis.
  22. Keep janitor closets clean and tidy.
  23. Use proper care when using all department equipment and keep clean.
  24. When a Resident is deceased or discharged – responsible to pack and label all of the Residents’ belongings for family pick up. The room is given a final cleaning in preparation for a new admission.
  25. Deliver all Residents personal clothing daily
  26. Cleans isolation rooms as per guidelines.
  27. Familiar with Department Policy and Procedure Manual.
  28. Annual Update of required education in services via Surge and on site, i.e. WHMIS, Emergency Plan (Fire), etc.
  29. Perform other related duties as required by the Director or Supervisor.
  30. Assist in the transportation or removal of furniture or equipment as necessary.
  31. Keep walkways clean from litter, snow, etc. (R.K. & Manor).
  32. Transport laundry and Lab work to St. Martha’s Hospital twice daily and provide other transportation and pickup services as requested with Nursing Home vehicle.

Education, Training, and Experience

Good physical health (physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend; ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs)

Ability to work independently and with others, ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ability to learn the operation of equipment, ability to perform repetitive tasks.

Grade 12 Education, experience in housekeeping or laundry preferred, but not required.

 

Key Competencies

  • attention to detail
  • customer focus
  • reliability
  • listening skills
  • adaptability
  • planning and organizing
  • team work
  • integrity
  • honesty
  • high energy levels

Therapeutic Recreation Programmer

POSITION: Therapeutic Recreation Programmer
DEPARTMENT: Recreation
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Recreation, Spiritual, & Volunteers

As a member of the Recreation Team, the Recreation Programmer provides Recreation programs and opportunities for the Residents, which allows for their engagement in their own Home, their R.K. Community, and maintain contact with the larger community. Reporting to the Director of Recreation, Spiritual, and Volunteers, the programmer is responsible for the delivery of recreation programming services of the department as well as assisting with the delivery of Spiritual services. The essential functional areas of responsibility include providing Recreation/Leisure/Spiritual programming and leading, encouraging, and supporting Residents, staff, and Volunteers in the delivery of these programs and opportunities utilizing their strengths and expertise. As an employee of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the Residents – creating an alive and vibrant community based on meaningful relationships. In keeping, with our Mission, Vision, & Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Recreation Programmer as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient, and confidential manner.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide Recreation services, programs, and opportunities for the Residents, which allows for engagement with their own Home, their R.K. Community, and maintain contact with the larger Community.

  • To plan and schedule group recreation based on an understanding of the Resident needs and abilities and the available resources from the Home and the community
  • To assist with development of the recreational assessment and plan for each Elder which will be completed upon admission, is included in the interdisciplinary plan of care, and is updated as the Resident’s individual needs change.
  • To plan, implement, schedule, and evaluate Recreation program with an understanding of the Resident’s needs and abilities and utilizing available resources from the home and the community.
  • To set up, transport (if necessary), supervises, and participates in scheduled programs.
  • To organize work in a time effective manner to complete all required elements of program planning.
  • To facilitate opportunities for community interaction, intergenerational programs and relationships, cultural exposure, and more.
  • To motivate Residents to grow and improve their own health through Recreation programs and activities that involve some challenge, excitement, rewards, choices, concentration, and pure fun.
  • To ensure that the Standards of Practice for Recreation as a Therapy and Service (2006) is used as a basis for the delivery of recreation and leisure services.
  • Assist with developing annual and long-term goals and objectives for the department.
  • Promote positive relationships with all the departments and with the local community.
  • Participates in Recreation Staff meetings and contributes toward periodic reviews of program effectiveness.
  • To attend and participate in care planning communications at team meetings and Multi-Disciplinary conferences.
  • To provide education, encouragement, promotion, and support for the elders in their independent leisure pursuits.
  • To collect, monitor, and document program participation daily in any program and make periodic reports to the Director.
  • To inform the Director of departmental needs in relation to personnel, space, equipment, and supplies.
  • Co-operates with other staff, volunteers, and Elders to promote effective communication within the facility. Supporting an interdisciplinary team approach.
  • Serves on committees as Directed by Administration.
  • Understands that the Resident and family are central to all departmental activities, services, and decisions.
  • Set up, prepare, and assist with the delivery of Spiritual programming and services in coordination with Director and religious leaders.

Assist with Directing the Volunteer Program and provide a positive experience for both the Elder and the Volunteer.

  • Assist with training, support, and recognition of Volunteers.
  • Direct orientation, work facilitation, and supervision of volunteers and/or student placements.
  • Provided to enhance Programming.

Knowledge and Skills

  • The NSRPH (Nova Scotia Recreation Professionals in Health) Standards of Practice. Program planning, adaptation, leadership, and communication techniques.
  • Annual WHMIS & Fire Safety In-Service & are familiar with the Emergency Plan Manual & Policy and Procedures.

Educational Qualifications

  • 2-year Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or the equivalent to NSRPH classification for Programmer II

Experience required

  • Minimum of 3 years recent experience in a Long-Term Care and/or Community setting.
  • Proven leadership ability and excellent communication skills

Knowledge and Skills

  • Ability to foster, demonstrate and maintain good public relations with Residents, families, visitors, and Volunteers.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and other members of the health care team.
  • Ability to work independently and complete assigned work.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must be physically able to perform all aspects of the work.
  • Annual WHMIS and Fire Safety In-Service and familiar with the Emergency Plan Manual and Policy and Procedures.

Approved by: Director of Recreation, Spiritual & Volunteer Services

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.