Year: 2020

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

Executive Administrative Assistant

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

POSITION: Executive Administrative Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Administration
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO

The Executive Administrative Assistant manages the Front (Main) Office and is the primary point of contact for everyone entering the Home. In keeping with the Resident Centered Philosophy of Care, the Executive Administrative Assistant, as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, represents the Home in a positive, professional, efficient, and confident manner, and serves as a primary source of relative information for all the people this position serves.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide a high standard of quality, professional, confidential, administrative support to the Board of Directors, the CEO, members of the Senior Leadership Team, staff, Secretary/Treasurer of Foundation Board, residents, families and all external visitors and supporting agencies of the Home.    This position requires excellence in office and organizational skills (both analytical and problem solving) to ensure the efficiency of the office and an ability to maintain absolute confidentiality, sound judgment, and professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues associated with the day-day operations of this Long Term Care Home.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Administrative and Clerical Support
  • Communicates with assigned Senior Leaders (CEO, HR, and Director of Recreation) as required to coordinate and prioritize tasks or assignments, to meet deadlines, and to plan future administrative support needs.
  • Keeps assigned Leaders up to date on changes/ things that affect their departments and anticipates and plans for upcoming events.
  • Schedules appointments, books meetings/& rooms, catering, and other events as needed or anticipates by utilizing Microsoft outlook other processes in place.
  • Prepares, types, modifies and inputs data in various documents using Microsoft office, including: memos, letters, minutes, agendas, forms, spread sheets, brochures, licensing documents, mail merges, minutes, inventory etc.
  • Prepares meeting materials
  • Welcomes and directing visitors, assists residents, answers all incoming phone calls and demonstrates good judgement in the immediately redirecting to voice mail or have the call responded to immediately.
  • Coordinates registration and travel arrangements upon request.
  • Runs errands as needed.
  • Coordinates travel and meeting arrangements, arranges catering as required  in the coordination of special events i.e. Board meetings, social teas,  tours of home, poll stations (elections), sleeping areas for storms, etc.
  • Receives and distributes the Home’s and the Resident’s mail as per guideline, ensures security confidentiality of incoming faxes and circulates, maintains a current Resident Room list Directory, and maintains and assists staff on the equipment in the front office: photocopier, fax, laminating machine, shredder, postage machine and arranges special mail delivery i.e. Purolator requests.
  • Provides clerical support for the R.K. Board., photocopying, typing of letters, policies, minutes, coordinates meetings ensuring quorum, records minutes, coordinates and prepares materials for all meetings, Regular or Annual, and ensures signage of approved minutes and proper historical storage of all Board Correspondence.  Provides support to the Foundation Board, by booking meeting rooms, assist with photocopying, direct donators, and handles and redirects Foundation mail.
  • Applies for renewals and posts for external licences i.e., Hairdressing Salon, Liquor Permit, Kitchen, Elevators, Accreditation, Licensing, etc.
  • Responds to the Senior Care Van Booking Line. Coordinates pick up and transfer with clients and drivers and maintains information for billing purposes.
  • Receives and processes sealed tenders for any projects requiring tender bids.
  • Supports Directors of Clinical and Environmental & Food Services n the absence of Office Administrative Assistant undertaking some general administrative and clerical support tasks that are necessary prior to the return of the OAA.
  1. Office Supplies
  • Maintains, dispenses, and orders office supplies and equipment requests for all Departments through online, phone or in-store pick up.
  • Prepares report for year-end inventory for office supplies and typing of reports for other Depts.
  1. New resident Admissions
  • Chair of Admissions Team
  • Assists with admission of a new Resident, provides tours of the home to family and resident, meets them upon arrival of home, ensures the Admission Checklist is circulated and completed and creates the EMO cards.
  • Circulates a Notification of change form to all Departments, and Pharmacy for admissions and transfers/ discharges.
  1. Committee Participation

Fire & Disaster Planning-.  Performs administrative duties as such: coordinates members for meeting, scribes minutes, types agenda and minutes, updates manuals, call back lists, etc. Responds to the Fire Panel Alarm, when activated when in office and performs duties as outlined in the Emergency Plan Manual

Family Council – Provides an Administrative connection on Family Council and attends meetings upon invitation.  Arranges meeting room and snacks for its members.

  1. File Storage and Retention
  • Maintains a paper and electronic file system for Resident and Administration files or documents. Ensures confidentiality in maintaining a record storage room for all departments by receiving, storing, and ensures secure confidential destruction of all records as per Record Storage Policy.
  1. Business Telephone System (Home)
  • Maintains the business telephone system by updating the system to reflex changes such as: changing or adding a name or extension #, reset a phone for new voice mail setup. Thus, updates and circulate extension lists for the home, updates the website and the automated attendant tree to reflex the same in the phone system.
  1. Home Keys Security
  • Maintains all “house keys” by updating the Key Index and ensures security by following a sign in and out system of all keys.
  1. Other Duties
  • Flexible positive team member that assists in other Departments of the Home as needed.
  • Participates in the care and support of Residents as time permits, i.e. sitting or escorting residents to activities or appointments.
  • Participates on other internal/external committees as designated and performs other duties as required.

Skills &Competencies:

  • Proven capacity to manage sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and communication (oral, written telephone) skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly write, speak and interact professionally required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of Management and Staff, Residents, and families and have good interaction with Business and Community relations.
  • Demonstrated competence to work with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in composing professional communications, i.e., letters, emails, memos for internal or external use.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the MS Office suite of programs, the Internet and email.
  • Confirmed excellence in ability to prioritize projects, work, and manage the unexpected.
  • Proven effective and efficient organizational abilities, using self-direction and sound judgement to prioritize workload and to coordinate multiple and competing task demands and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated proficiency to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.

Educational Qualification:

  • Graduate from a recognized Administrative Assistant/Office Administration program.

Experience Required:

    • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Senior Administrative Assistant position.

Staffing Clerk

POSITION: Staffing (Scheduling) Clerk
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Care

Under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services is responsible for the accurate and timely data entry of staff scheduling and payroll submission. Using a manual or computerized scheduling application, the Staffing Clerk works as a team member to support the staffing needs of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home. Every employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home 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 Ward Clerk 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.

Key Responsibilities

Scheduling

  • Implements approved schedules for unionized staff
  • Accepts Director approved requests for scheduling changes and implements as staffing replacement allows
  • Discusses any variances with Director
  • Follows the appropriate collective agreements in addressing requirements
  • Follows direction of Directors with replacement of staff and overtime authorization

Staffing

  • Replaces unionized staff as directed for illness, approved LOA, vacations, and statutory holidays
  • Ensures this process is accurate and timely and following the applicable collective agreement
  • Verifies staffing requirements against current schedule including but not limited to, accepting staff call-ins
  • Ensures confidentiality at all times
  • Inputs, maintains and updates data utilizing the computerized scheduling system
  • On a daily basis, reviews time sheets to insure adequate staffing
  • Monitors casual relief list for need and notifies appropriate Director when required
  • Maintains casual staff information and availability records
  • Assists Charge Nurse/RN, staff, & Ward Clerks with information and resources to develop appropriate staffing plans/decisions during times when staffing office is closed

Payroll

  • Accurately records and verifies schedule in preparation for bi-weekly payroll submission

Planning

  • Consult with and advise managers on any concerns regarding staffing levels
  • Maintain staffing levels as per Department of Health & Wellness guidelines
  • Suggest alternate scheduling patterns that meet the resident care and staff needs

Required Education

  • Completion of Academic Grade 12
  • Completion of post-secondary business/administrative assistant/office management or related health care course.

Required Experience

  • Previous experience in scheduling and staffing an asset

Required Competencies

  • Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications
  • Demonstrated critical thinker and ability to multi-task
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and under time constraints
  • Demonstrated positive interpersonal & communication skills.
  • Constructive communication skills
  • Demonstrated problem solver.
  • Excellent organizational skills.

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

Approved by: CEO/Director of Clinical Services