Year: 2021

Visitation Update DCPs & families December 29, 2021

Dec 29, 2021

Dear Families,

DCG / Visitor Restriction Notice:

Most importantly I wish to clarify the RK is not experiencing any form of a COVID-19 outbreak. However, due to the growing number of positive cases in our community, the Home will be closed to all DCG visitation [with the exception of compassionate visits] effective 9:00am, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. The primary reason for this restriction is that we have the ability to manage our staff with screening, masking, rapid testing and an effective communication process, unfortunately we are unable to manage our visitors in the same manner which increases the likelihood of COVID-19 getting a foothold in the Home.

At this point your loved ones are safe and being cared for by a staff that is second to none!

We will keep you informed of any changes to this DCG / visitor restriction.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support through this challenging pandemic.

Terry MacIntyre, CEO

Message from CEO to Families & Staff Dec 25, 2021

Dec 25, 2021

Merry Christmas everyone,

Update: We are following up with a COVID-19 positive staff member and are working with both Public Health and Occupational Health Safety and Wellness and have implemented all cautionary measures. Our residents and staff are all vaccinated and continue to be symptom free. Public Health has advised us to swab the residents of Maple Ridge / Brambleberry and this is happening as we speak.

As an ongoing cautionary measure, we will continue to restrict visitor access to Maple Ridge / Brambleberry and ask that if you have access to a rapid test kit, please do the test within 24 hours of your visit.

We will provide regular updates to ensure everyone is kept in the loop!

Take care and enjoy your day!

Terry MacIntyre

CEO

RK MacDonald Nursing Home

1-902-863-2578 ext. 272

Message to Designated Care Givers

Dec 24, 2021

Dear Designated Care Givers,

I wish to acknowledge your ongoing support of the safety precautions we have implemented here at the RK – greatly appreciated!

Respecting the continued presence of COVID-19 in our local community, the RK is extending the following president safety measures:

Visitation: in order to reduce foot traffic in the Home, only a resident’s DCG’s are permitted to visit the Home – can you please notify other family members / friends of this restriction
Mask wearing: visitors must not remove their masks at any time during your visit and we ask that you only visit with your loved one
Offsite visits: continued restriction for offsite resident outings
Symptoms: All DCG visitors to are encouraged to get tested even if you experience mild symptoms
Rapid testing: it is strongly recommend that DCG visitors complete a rapid test within 24 hours of your visit.
Staff: screening is ongoing, we are providing rapid testing kits x 2 weekly for staff, continue to promote mask wearing, hand hygiene and are asking any staff that may have been in a high exposure site to get tested

Although our residents are fully vaccinated and have received their booster, we feel the above measures are necessary to help keep them safe during this community outbreak.

Take care everyone,

Terry MacIntyre, CEO

Update to Visitation Rules

Dec 8, 2021

Dear Designated Care Providers,

In response to the presence of COVID-19 in our local community, the RK is taking the following precautions to protect our residents:

Offsite visits: Restricting off site resident visits for a 2 week period
Visitation: in order to reduce foot traffic in the Home, for the next 2 weeks we ask that only DCG’s to visit the Home – can you please notify other family members / friends to please not visit for the next 2 weeks
High Risk Areas: Advising all staff and visitors to visit https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus-exposures?title=&field_covid_exposure_zone_value=Eastern and if you were in one of these high risk areas to please get tested.
Staff: screening is ongoing, we are providing rapid testing kits, continue to promote mask wearing, hand hygiene and are asking any staff that may have been in a high exposure site to get tested
Baked goods: we certainly always appreciate the kindness of our residents’ family members – if you bring Christmas treats to the home to share with residents / staff, please ensure the treats are wrapped individually

Although our residents are fully vaccinated and have received their booster, we feel the above measures are necessary to help keep them safe during this community outbreak.

Social Worker

Nov 24, 2021

POSITION: Social Worker
DEPARTMENT: Clinical Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Social Worker is responsible for planning, developing and implementing services to meet the emotional and social needs for our residents and their families that are in keeping with the philosophy of RK MacDonald Nursing Home and its established policies and procedures.

This will involve assessing resident’s needs, and planning, implementing and documenting Social Work services while working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. All services provided are in accordance with residents’ personal choice and preferences with the aim of achieving excellence in the care and well-being of those living in the RK MacDonald community.

As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Core Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Social Worker, 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

1. Reviews applications for admission and coordinates admissions to the Home. Obtains and documents personal and family histories upon admission. Orients residents/families to Home and its philosophy.

2. Prepares for and participates in Resident Care Conferences. Consults with family prior to review and invites residents’ families as appropriate. Identifies social/emotional needs and takes appropriate action in consult with the Health Care team.

3. Develops and maintains liaison with the recreational and community resources.

4. Participates in departmental and staff committee meetings. Maintains records, and documents interventions on charts. Submits a monthly report to the Director of Clinical Services.

5. Coordinates discharge planning.

6. Provides in-service instruction.

7. Provides individual consulting and group services to residents and their families. Acts as a consultant to residents vis-à-vis financial and/or personal problems.

8. Supervises student practicum and participates in community education and research.

9. Develops resources to meet the social and emotional needs of our residents and their families.

10. Participates in the Home’s Continuous Quality Indicator and Strategic Planning programs.

11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Education, Training and Experience

Minimum of 3 years recent experience in a Long Term Care setting, geriatric and/or Community setting
B.S.W. or recognized equivalent from an accredited School of Social Work
Member of, or eligible for, membership with the Nova Scotia College Social Workers (NSCSW)
Eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers.
The Social Worker adheres to the NS Board Registration for Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Canadian Association of Social Workers Standards of Practice.
Safety courses such as, BCLS, CPR, CPI and WHIMIS
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to organize, develop and initiate ideas and programs.
Commitment to working in an interdisciplinary approach.
Demonstrate good communication skills, verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Good attendance
Alzheimer and Related Dementia course
Criminal Records check including Vulnerable Sector Search

Skills and Abilities

Ability to work under minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal with others effectively.
Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
Ability to recognize needs and develop appropriate resources to meet social/emotional needs.
Ability to empathize with elderly, emotionally and/or physically handicapped persons. Maturity and dependability required to gain resident, families and staff confidence.
Ability to deal with confidential matters in a professional manner.

Professional Accountability

Carries out assessments, plan implementation, plan evaluation and education in accordance with RK policies and procedures
Conducts self within legal/ethical/professional obligations and requirements.
Performs beyond entry level competencies Works as a champion of resident centered care.
Respects the individuality, autonomy and confidentiality of the resident and ensures the resident is treated respectfully and uses a person-centered approach involving shared decision making and responsibility with the resident and Substitute Decision Maker.
Demonstrates professional integrity and a commitment to the well-being of all residents.
Engages in professional development and lifelong learning activities.
Orientation of new employees and mentoring /preceptoring of new and existing employees as appropriate.
Acts as a mentor / preceptor for student clinical internships.

Communication and Collaboration

Establishes and maintains effective communication with residents, relevant others and professional colleagues.
Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care in a timely manner.
Develops and maintains information systems to ensure appropriate access to accurate, objective and relevant information about the resident.
Collaborates, partners, and communicates with the resident, family, and external service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and abilities of the resident.
Demonstrates effective collaboration and inter-professional teamwork by consulting and sharing information with other health professionals, family and community organizations in a timely manner, provided resident consent is obtained where required, to ensure comprehensive, safe service delivery.
Facilitate admission planning and transitions across the health care continuum, ensuring the resident’s needs are met in appropriate setting.
Participation in staff meetings or working group meetings.
Participation in and /or leadership of program planning, research, continuous quality improvement initiatives, committees, staff education, safety initiatives, and accreditation as requested.
Demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities to prevent adverse events.
Communicates effectively in special high-risk situations to ensure the safety of residents.

Other Related Duties

Other duties as assigned by Director of Clinical Services.

Judgement and Initiative

Identifies the need for and coordinates Social Work services to maintain and enhance the emotional and social performance and engagement of the resident.

Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and other members of the health care team.
Articulates rationale for decisions that are based on clinical best practice, current theory and research
Intervenes when standards of practice are violated or not upheld.
Refers to appropriate professionals for issues beyond the profession’s scope of practice and the individual’s personal competence.
Seeks direction or assistance from other health care professionals as required.

Safety (resident, worker & workplace)

Demonstrates good stewardship in the identification, reporting & mitigation of unsafe acts or conditions

Contribute to a culture of resident safety.
Work in teams for resident safety.
Communicate effectively for resident safety.
Manage safety risks.
Optimize human and environmental factors.

Physiotherapist

Nov 17, 2021

POSITION: Physiotherapist
DEPARTMENT: Walking Stick Rehabilitation
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Clinical Services

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Physiotherapist is responsible for encouraging growth of residents through the provision of programs and services that are in keeping with the philosophy of RK MacDonald Nursing Home and its established policies and procedures. The Physiotherapist will provide programs and services to residents according to established standards and administrative policies. This will involve assessing resident’s needs, and planning, implementing and documenting Physiotherapy services while working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. All services provided are in accordance with residents’ personal choice and preferences with the aim of achieving excellence in the care and well-being of those living in the RK MacDonald community. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Core Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Physiotherapist, 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:

Professional Accountability:

Carries out assessments, plan implementation, plan evaluation and education in accordance with RK policies and procedures, the Physiotherapy
Code of Ethics, the National Physiotherapy Competency Requirements, and the Physiotherapy Act of NS.
Conducts self within legal/ethical/professional obligations and requirements.
Performs beyond entry level competencies and within medical directives and delegated medical functions as approved for the practice setting as per the Physiotherapy Act of Nova Scotia.
Works as a champion of resident centered care.
Respects the individuality, autonomy and confidentiality of the resident and ensures the resident is treated respectfully and uses a person-centred approach involving shared decision making and responsibility with the resident and Substitute Decision Maker.
Demonstrates professional integrity and a commitment to the well-being of all residents.
Engages in professional development and lifelong learning activities.
Orientation of new employees and mentor / preceptor of new and existing employees as appropriate.
Acts as a mentor / preceptor for student clinical internships.

Communication and Collaboration:

Establishes and maintains effective communication with residents, relevant others and professional colleagues.
Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care in a timely manner.
Develops and maintains information systems to ensure appropriate access to accurate, objective, relevant information about the resident and general Physiotherapy services.
Collaborates, partners, and communicates with the individual, family, and external service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and abilities of the resident.
Demonstrates effective collaboration and inter-professional teamwork by consulting and sharing information with other health professionals, family and community organizations in a timely manner, provided resident consent is obtained where required, to ensure comprehensive, safe service delivery.
Facilitate admission planning and transitions across the health care continuum, ensuring the resident’s needs are met in appropriate setting.
Participation in staff meetings or working group meetings.
Participation in and /or leadership of program planning, research, continuous quality improvement initiatives, committees, staff education, safety initiatives, and accreditation as requested.
Demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities to prevent adverse events.
Communicates effectively in special high-risk situations to ensure the safety of residents.

Assessment / Treatment / Education:

Participates in screening and prioritizing referrals to Physiotherapy to determine the individual’s need for Physiotherapy Services as required.
Identifies the resident, based on each unique situation, and identifies the resident’s support system (e.g., family, significant others, caregivers, community, etc.).
Consults with the resident on options for service; explains and obtains resident consent. Services at the RK include:
Transfer Code and Mobility Assessments
Assessment and provision of slings for ceiling / hoyer lifts
Provide clinical education to physiotherapy student interns
Investigates Fall Events
Physiotherapy assessment and treatment of resident health concerns: orthopedic, neurology, geriatric and cardio-respiratory
Supervision of delegated physiotherapy treatments
Maintenance and recommending of exercise and related physiotherapy equipment
Participation in Walking Stick safety / equipment audits
Provides annual Safe Lifting and Transferring In-services for CCA staff
Advocates with the resident to establish positive first contact, consults on options for service; educates and collaborates to establish/remind resident of previous signing and document consent.
Engages with residents to build rapport and the relationship, to clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
Collaborates with members of the healthcare team and resident to collect, validate and expand assessment data.
Documents and communicates pertinent information in a timely and concise manner.
Monitors, through assessment data, the ongoing status of the resident.
Recognizes changes in physical performance and engagement, functional abilities, and health care needs and adjusts the care plan accordingly.

Planning:

Engages the resident in the goal setting process to identify the resident’s priorities.
Engages in critical thinking, analyses and interprets assessment data for the resident, his/her support system and the health care team to identify the resident’s physical performance issues, strengths and weaknesses.
Through collaboration with the resident, develops the plan of care based on the analysis of assessment findings, chosen theoretical approaches, clinical best practices, and the resident’s vision for his/her life opportunities.
Initiates planning and establishes short- and long-term goals, expected outcomes, a plan of care, and a discharge plan.
Applies knowledge of pertinent Physiotherapy and related healthcare research and evidence to care planning; uses current knowledge to justify plan of care.
Integrates interdisciplinary and multiagency factors into the care plan.
Negotiates and communicates with the resident, his/her support system, the health care team, and service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and strengths of the resident.

Implementation:

Engages the resident in treatment (either individual or group) by providing interventions with an aim to maximize physical and emotional functioning and minimize barriers that impede social engagement. Implementation of the plan involves promotion of safety, choice, and risk engagement.
Interventions may occur in resident’s usual environment and may include one or more of the following: remediation, adaptation, compensation, prevention, health promotion, or education. Interventions typically target the person and environment collectively as these elements are inter-related.
Teach and coach residents and families in a flexible and creative manner using accurate and consistent information, which may include the development of educational materials.
Plans for timely completion of Physiotherapy intervention and follow-up, as required, to meet resident’s needs.
Delegates appropriate tasks / activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
Supervises Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aides.

Evaluation:

Evaluates, communicates, and documents expected and unexpected responses to care, to the resident, his/her support system, and the health care team. Evaluates and monitors broad outcomes including healthy living, and reducing hospitalization.
In collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and the health care team monitors resident’s response to interventions and modifies/grades treatments and care plans, as indicated.
Discusses observations with and makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team and leaders to influence program development/evaluation.
Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care.
Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with other members of the health care team, resident, his/her support system.
Consults, collaborates, advocates, educates and engages the resident to optimize services.
Protects resident and family confidentiality, privacy and creates an overall environment that is safe and secure.
Terminates Physiotherapy Services in agreement with clinical best practices, and/or when maximal therapeutic outcomes / functional gains are achieved.

Other Related Duties:

Other duties as assigned by Director of Rehabilitation.

Inter-professional Competencies:

Describes one’s roles and responsibilities and scope of practice clearly to other professionals / residents / family members.
Describes overlapping aspects of own professional knowledge and skills with other health professionals and paraprofessionals.
Recognizes and respects the role, responsibilities and competence of other professions / paraprofessionals in relation to one’s own.
Demonstrates respect and trust to ensure that collaborative relationships are fostered.
Practices within own scope of practice, code of ethics, standards and/or clinical guidelines while working within a collaborative resident centered relationship.
Works with others to assess, plan, provide and review care to maximize health outcomes for individual residents.
Gathers assessment data from all health professionals/paraprofessionals / residents / family involved in care.
Demonstrates effective sharing of information and exchanging of ideas.
Integrates information from each health professional / paraprofessional / resident / family to develop common resident centered goals.
Participates effectively and appropriately in an inter-professional health care team to optimize resident safety.

Position Specifications

Certification / Registration / Designation

Eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists.
Eligible for membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Special Knowledge and Skills:

Thorough knowledge of Physiotherapy practice, with an interest in program development and evaluation skills
Demonstrated accountability and responsibility.
Strong resident focus and ability to build solid resident relationships.
Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork skills with the resident at the Centre.
Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Demonstrated leadership abilities.
Demonstrated planning, organization, and time management skills.
Commitment to promoting a culture that supports safety, ethical practices and organizational health.
Demonstrated good attendance in current and past employment.
Exemplary work history as demonstrated in current and past employment.
Computer skills (e.g., statistics input, word processing, email, etc.).
Annual Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation certification (BCLS).
Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position.
Physiotherapy is a diverse profession and additional courses/education/training in many specialized areas of practice may be required, e.g., stroke rehabilitation, seating, splinting, mental health services, etc.

Judgement and Initiative:

Identifies the need for and coordinates Physiotherapy services to maintain and enhance the physical and social performance and engagement of the resident.
Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and other members of the health care team.
Articulates rationale for decisions that are based on clinical best practice, current theory and research
Intervenes when standards of practice are violated or not upheld.
Refers to appropriate professionals for issues beyond the profession’s scope of practice and the individual’s personal competence.
Seeks direction or assistance from other health care professionals as required.

Type and Level of Supervision Exercised:

Delegates appropriate tasks/ activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
Supervision of Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aids.
Acts as a mentor / preceptor for students.

Key Relationships:

Engages with resident to build rapport and the relationship, clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
Collaborates and communicates effectively with resident, his/her support system, team member(s) and internal/external resources to implement and coordinate plan of care/services.
Collaborates and works consultatively with team members, all levels of management, and other departments and agencies both internal and external to the organization.
Engages with Professional Associations.
Act as a Communicator, to promote of the profession of Physiotherapy, and the concepts of physical performance, functioning and social engagement.

Physical Demand

Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position, including working in awkward positions; sitting; stretching/reaching; on feet, standing/walking; pulling/pushing; lifting more than 40 lbs.; transferring residents; crouching; and manual dexterity.

Mental and Visual Demand

These include but are not limited to:

Active listening / counselling / interviewing
Clinical reasoning and critical thinking
Observation
Providing training/instruction to patients/students/families/caregivers
Report Writing/documentation
Data entry/computer use
Health Record review
Making presentations
Driving

Working Environment and Unavoidable Hazards:

Work is inside in resident’s rooms and Physiotherapy spaces

Safety (resident, worker & workplace)

Demonstrates good stewardship in the identification, reporting & mitigation of unsafe Acts or conditions

Contribute to a culture of resident safety.
Work in teams for resident safety.
Communicate effectively for resident safety.
Manage safety risks.
Optimize human and environmental factors.
Recognize, respond to and disclose adverse events.

Professional Qualification / Education / Experience

Minimum of 3 years recent experience in a Long Term Care setting and/or Community
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy or Masters of Science in Physiotherapy Entry Level, from an accredited University.
Registered member of the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists
Safety courses such as, BCLS, CPR, CPI and WHIMIS
Current membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association with active participation in professional activities preferred
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to organize, develop and initiate ideas and programs.
Commitment to working in an interdisciplinary approach.
Demonstrate good communication skills, verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Good Attendance and Work Record
Alzheimer and Related Dementia course
Criminal Records check – including Vulnerable Sector Search

Approved by: Director of Clinical Services

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

Board Announcement

Nov 16, 2021

The Board of Directors of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry MacIntyre as Permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective November 15, 2021.

Director of Clinical Services

Nov 15, 2021

POSITION: Director of Clinical Services
DEPARTMENT: Nursing and Rehabilitation Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Clinical Services provides oversight of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Nursing Services to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to resident care. The Director of Clinical Services works closely with the Assistant Director of Clinical Services to ensure clinical services are coordinated, collaborative across professional disciplines and all departments. Reporting to the CEO responsibilities include the day to day management and integration of clinical services throughout the organization. The essential functional areas of responsibility include the delivery of quality, safe clinical services that respects and enhances the quality of life for every Resident and their family by ensuring adherence to applicable Standards of Practice, delivery of person centred care. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Person Centered Care, the Director of Clinical Services 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:

Effectively manage Clinical Services through monitoring of the Rehabilitation and Nursing Department budgets ensuring that the annual budget is not exceeded

Monthly review and analysis of clinical services departmental financial data in collaboration with appropriate departmental mangers
Investigate variances, develop corrective action plan and report same to CEO
Participates in annual Capital equipment planning process in collaboration with other Senior Leaders
Submission of Capital equipment requests

Coordinate the provision of Clinical Services that are person centered and that support and reflect the Mission, Vision and Values of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home

Ensure annual review of clinical policies by appropriate clinical staff or manager and ensure revisions are completed as required.
Develop yearly clinical services delivery goals and objectives that support the Strategic Plan and are in support of achieving/maintaining Accreditation Canada standards
Ensure Licensed staff as well as all clinical services support staff maintain care practices in accordance with standards of practice and care that comply with operating requirements of department, relevant federal, provincial and professional legislation, standards &/or regulations
Provide assistance and direction to employees that facilitates the highest quality of efficient, effective and safe care
Provides systematic monitoring and evaluation of resident needs and satisfaction with care through collaboration with Departmental Directors (ie rehab Services or Nursing)
Monitor program and resident outcomes, evaluate all aspects of the operation and assess and plan for the future
Identify any outstanding issue or concerns of family, residents or staff and implement any corrective actions as required in collaboration with appropriate departments
Annually review and update Job Descriptions

Effectively plan and oversee human resources in the rehabilitation and nursing departments in collaboration with the appropriate Departmental Director and Human Resources Coordinator

Actively participates in the departmental hiring process or appoints designate
Develops action oriented performance review systems
Ensures that probationary performance reviews with accompanying plan of development and goals are conducted as required by contract
Discipline, up to and including dismissal
Coaching, mentoring and empowering RN/LPN Team Leads, OT and PT
Supports and assists the RN/LPN Team Leads in coaching, mentoring and empowering their staff
Supports and assist the OT and PT in the development of leadership skills, collaboration and working to the full scope of their profession.
Approves vacation/LOA requests or appoints a departmental designate

Ensure the orientation and ongoing education of departmental staff including development and continuing education through collaboration with Clinical Service Directors and the Education Coordinator

Ensure educational provisions are made to meet required performance standards
Work with clinical service manager to identify and prioritize learning needs of clinical services staff
Ensures that all clinical staff participate in required annual educational safety programs
Identify best practices and associated educational needs of clinical services departments

Accountable for the Safety and Risk Management of Clinical services

Identification and management of potential risks in collaboration with Departmental Directors, RN / LPN Team Leads and other clinical support staff.
Participates as a Leader in the JOHS program and Risk Management Program
Monitoring and auditing of Departmental compliance as necessary

Communication: through personal behavior and interactions, will consistently demonstrates a humanistic, affiliative approach to relationships:

Within department, with other team members and with union representatives
In all interactions, within and while representing the facility
With all Residents and families
While establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships

Ensures Continuous Quality Initiatives in all activities

Maintains clinical practice knowledge within professional designation
Ensures other Clinical Services Directors maintain practice knowledge
Establish and direct systems for evidence based practice/outcome measurement and improving quality of nursing care
Determine resident care quality improvement goals and objectives
Ensure that all staff maintain a current knowledge of trends and issues within the field and recommend changes in standards, policies and procedures, equipment and programs as appropriate
Analyze CQI data to identify solutions or improvements as required
Review relevant occurrences and ensure appropriate follow-up as required

Participates in Committees/teams as required

Ensure that all nursing committees are structured and focused on meeting the Goals established by the Strategic Plan
Sits as a Chair of at least one organizational committee

Leadership Roles

Active participant on the leadership team
Demonstrates integration of the Mission, Vision and Values into practice
Participates in annual Strategic planning process
Participates in Succession planning
Evidenced based clinical decision making

Leadership Competencies Required

Leading Others as demonstrated by the ability to establish focus, to provide motivational support, fostering teamwork, empowering others.
Managing Change as indicated by the ability to demonstrate support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to improve the organization’s effectiveness
Managing Others as demonstrated by the ability to work with others to coach and mentor them to develop their capabilities
Managing Performance as demonstrated by ability to take responsibility for one’s own or one’s employee’s performance by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against goals, ensuring feedback and addressing performance issue promptly.
Communication as demonstrated by the ability to ensure that information is passed on to others who should be kept informed as well as the ability to express oneself clearly in conversations and interactions, in writing and to be able to plan and deliver conversations that have an impact and persuade their intended audience.
Interpersonal Awareness as demonstrated by the ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others concerns and feelings and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others
Influence Others as demonstrated by the ability to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals, objectives, projects and solutions
Building Collaborative relationships as demonstrated by the ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships both internal and external to the facility
Customer Service Orientation perspective as demonstrated by the respectful, positive manner in which one responds to expressed concerns and the strong desire to find resolution and meet people’s needs
Information Gathering as demonstrated by the ability to identify information needed to clarify a situation and using skillful questioning to draw out information from reluctant sources
Thinking abilities including analytical, forward, conceptual and strategic abilities to enable one to tackle a problem, anticipate implications and consequences, find effective solutions and planning for the future direction of the Home
Initiative to identify what needs to be done and take action before being asked or the situation requires it
Results oriented to enable one to focus on the desired results, sets challenging goals and meeting or exceeding them
Thoroughness as demonstrated by ensuring that one’s own work, the work of employees and all information collected and shared is complete and accurate. Ensuring that commitments are fulfilled
Decisiveness as demonstrated by the ability to make difficult decisions in a timely manner
Self Confidence
Stress management
Personal Credibility
Flexibility

Position Specific Competencies

Clinical practice knowledge
Delivery models/designs knowledge
Safe practice initiatives
Utilization
Quality improvement Initiatives
Risk management theory & practice
Sound understanding of Ethical practice
Consistently acts as a role model for advocacy
Sound understanding of Union Contracts & Negotiations
Possess the person centered qualities and attitudes that respect the spirit, dignity and individuality of the Resident/resident and their family
Understands and is able to integrate a philosophy of person centered care into the daily operations of the nursing department
Able to supervise staff including the ability to mentor, coach and empower staff
A working knowledge of budgeting
Able to work independently and as part of the Leadership Team

Educational Qualifications

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy required. Masters Degree is preferred

Experience Required

5 years management experience in nursing
Experience in gerontology nursing an asset

Approved by: CEO, Terry MacIntyre

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

Rk MacDonald Hiring Drive Featured in Saltwire

Oct 21, 2021

The Chronicle Herald, a part of the Saltwire network, recently featured the RK MacDonald’s on-going hiring drive.

The RK is currently looking to fill positions in nursing, especially CCAs, as well as housekeeping, dietary and custodial care, as the nation-wide staffing shortage for front-line healthcare workers is also impacting Nova Scotia.

As well as helping fill healthcare gaps, working at the RK in Antigonish is a good decision overall, says RK Human Resources Coordinator Jacqueline Delorey.

“Our team takes great pride in our home and the services we provide to our residents. We are looking to hire people who share our passion for respectful care, and whose values align with the Core Values C.A.R.E.S. (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Safety),” says Delorey. “We are also looking for people who want to give back to their community.”

You can read the full article online here.

If you are interested in a career with the RK MacDonald, you can view the current job postings here: www.rkmacdonald.ca/category/current-opportunities

Visitation Update – October 7, 2021

Oct 7, 2021

Update for Oct. 7, 2021

Re: Phase 5 Visitation Update

Dear Residents, family and Friends of the RK,

*New proof of vaccination required*

On Wednesday, September 29^th, 2021, the Premier of Nova Scotia and Dr. Robert Strang announced a new government policy that will take effect Monday Octo. 4^th , 2021. The new policy now requires mandatory vaccination for all staff and visitors to protect our most vulnerable populations form the Delta Variant of COVID-19.

Effective immediately:

All general visitors [family friends, volunteers, vendors, contractors, etc.] to the RK MacDonald Nursing Home must be doubly vaccinated and present proof of vaccination at the Screening Desk effective Oct. 4^th , 2021. All Designated Care Givers are required to be doubly vaccinated and present proof of vaccination effective Nov. 30^th, 2021.
Residents may not leave the facility with visitors that are not fully vaccinated. This does not include designated care givers.
All LTC residents throughout the province may leave their facility to participate in activities in the community. All residents may attend overnight visits except when the overnight visit will occur in the central zone. This means residents of any zone (including central zone) may attend overnight visits that occur outside the central zone.
Medical masks continue to be mandatory for all visitors, designated care givers and staff. At all times during the visit, visitors must ensure the mask covers their mouth and nose. If staff notice your mask is not covering your face, they will say “mask up please” as a reminder.

This government policy applies to various sectors in Nova Scotia. More specifically, it includes all workers, professionals and volunteers in licensed and unlicensed long term care facilities and it also applies to all visitors entering long term care facilities. However, if you have NOT received a COVID-19 vaccine OR have only received one dose of any two-dose COVID-19 regime then you are not fully vaccinated and, unfortunately, are not be permitted to enter the RK.

As a Home, we recognize the importance of family and friends as a key component in quality of life. However, respecting safety as a core value here at the RK, our number one priority remains the safety of our residents and our staff. We ask for your patience and cooperation with these new public health measures.

Stay safe, get vaccinated and follow basic public health measures – we’ll be okay!