Simply Ducky

Continuing Care Month

Continuing Care Month

This month is a time to recognize and celebrate the commitment to quality care and compassion by all the employees delivering care to our residents of the
R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home and across Nova Scotia.

One Positive COVID-19 Case

To Families and Visitors,

We have one resident confirmed positive for Covid-19, this case is in Brambleberry care area.

We have implemented the necessary precautions to prevent spread and are being proactive with screening, testing and implementing additional precautions when applicable.

Visitors are still allowed to visit residents but with some restrictions. These restrictions are only for the Brambleberry care area and MapleRidge care area and does not apply to the other care areas in the Home.

  • Masks should be worn at all times and not removed while on the care area.
  • Frequent handwashing and social distancing is absolutely essential in preventing spread.
  • Residents must stay on the care area and avoid other care areas.
  • Residents not on isolation are allowed to go for offsite visits and essential appointments with consent of the person being visited.
  • Non- essential visits should be postponed.
  • If a resident is on isolation and a visitor still wishes to visit, they must wear the appropriate PPE.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, Nolan Leger, at nolan.leger@rkmacdonald.ca or Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Michelle Tinio, at michelle.tinio@rkmacdonald.ca.

– Nolan,
Infection Prevention and Control Designate, RN

Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator

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

POSITION: Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator (Contract Position)
DEPARTMENT: Administration
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO

To provide Occupational Health and Safety support to the RK MacDonald Nursing Home. This position works with all RK employees, residents and their family members to promote a positive work environment and a culture of safe work practices across the organization.

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing the Home’s Occupational Health & Safety program. The Coordinator will provide advice to the Home as it relates to employee safety, Health and Safety legislation, reporting requirements, and best practices. This position requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, excellent communication and research skills, and the ability to evaluate the impact of Health and Safety activities/programs.

PRIMARY DELIVERABLES

  • Complete the WCB Certification Program
  • Address 2023 Occupational Health & Safety Inspection deficiencies including a review of the Home’s Health & Safety Program
  • Lead in policy / procedure review and staff training meeting Accreditation Standards pertaining to Occupational Health & Safety
  • Review and revise Incident Reporting policy and procedures

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participates as a member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
  • Participates in the development of safe work policies and procedures
  • Recommend and facilitate safety training
  • Ensure company adherence to Provincial and Federal Safety legislation
  • Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the RK MacDonald Nursing Home policies and procedures
  • Develop new employee on-boarding safety education

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Prepares bi-weekly Briefing Notes for the CEO on deliverable progress
  • Submits bi-weekly invoices noting hours of work

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Diploma in Business Administration or Occupational Health and Safety

Experience

  • 2 years direct experience in Occupational Health and Safety
  • Experience writing policies and procedures
  • Experience in the Accreditation process

Competencies

  • Strong communication skills orally and written
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy
  • Self-motivated and engaged

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Necessity to be able to work effectively from Home
  • Shared office space onsite
  • Own computer
  • RK will provide remote access to RK Cloud

Food Services Aide (General Worker)

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

POSITION: Food Services Aide (General Worker)
DEPARTMENT: Food Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Food Services

Under the direction of the Food Services Director, the Food Services Aide supports the delivery of quality food services to the Residents of the Home. As an employee of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home, every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents.

We are committed to upholding the Human Rights of all R.K MacDonald employees, including the right of all people to enjoy a physically and psychologically safe work environment; the right of all people to just and favorable terms of employment; and the right of all people to be respected and valued for their differences with equitable opportunities and outcomes in an inclusive environment where all can thrive.

In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Food Services Aide 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. Prepare resident trays in an attractive manner and in accordance to dietary orders.
  5. Sets up-delivers meal cart(s) and resident trays to the unit dining areas in accordance to the rules of decentralized dining.
  6. Meal service of the residents: setting the tables for the breakfast, dinner, and supper meals; service of the meal(s) in a pleasant, efficient, and courteous manner; clearing and re-setting of the resident tables; directed sanitation duties in the respective dining areas.
  7. Cleans and sanitizes dishes and cutlery used by residents, staff, visitors, catering personnel and the activity department.
  8. Pot sink duty, as required and directed.
  9. Cleans and sanitizes tables, kitchen equipment, serving line, carts, and counters by: using proper cleaning equipment, procedures, and cleaning solutions. Follows daily cleaning list.
  10. Spot clean/sanitize designated areas of the utility room and main kitchen, as outlined in the job specifications.
  11. Keeps fridges and storage areas tidy and clean by removing all empty boxes and clutter, and disposing of the same in the appropriate manner. Mop up spills, as required.
  12. Daily meal offerings to be posted on menu boards.
  13. Deliver nourishments and supplies to nursing units and place in appropriate fridges and cupboards.
  14. Deliver night lunches to nursing units daily for distribution to residents.
  15. Must be familiar with Departmental Policies and Procedures Manual, WHMIS and EMO.
  16. Attend annual in services for WHMIS, Fire Safety; re-certify Food Handlers certification and Firs Aid/CPR as required.
  17. Perform additional related duties as outlined by Director of Food Services or delegate.

Education, Training and Experience

The work requires reading, writing, speaking and understanding English, sound comprehension and judgment. The work requires understanding and following simple work procedures. Work procedures are straight forward and are normally learned from demonstrations and from on-the-job experienced co-workers. Minimum education level Grade 12. Must have Food Handlers course or be willing to obtain the same shortly after employment begins and upgrade every 5 years.

Effort

Mental

The work requires portioning and serving meals to residents and staff members. Making sure residents receive proper diets.

Physical

The work requires walking and standing, pushing food carts loaded with food, carrying dishes and trays, cleaning dishes and equipment. The incumbent is required to lift up to 50 pounds without the assistance of another person.

Supervision

The job requires no supervision of staff.

Personal Suitability

The work requires reliability, adaptability, effective interpersonal relations, and ability to work under pressure and good personal hygiene and neatness.

Recognizing Service

On June 12th the RK MacDonald Nursing home was proud to recognize the many years of dedicated service provided by our employees.

Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (left) and CEO Terry MacIntyre (right) present Kim MacDonald her 30 Years Award

Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (far left) and CEO Terry MacIntyre (far right) present Joanne Vacheresse (left) and Fran Bowie (right) their 10 Years Service Award

Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (far left) and CEO Terry MacIntyre (far right) present Laura Young (left) and Camille Berkvens (right) their 15 Years Service Award

Lee Kelly, Director of Clinical Services (far left) and Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (center) present Robert MacArthur (left), Joanne Taylor (right), and Lori Barkhouse (far right) their 25 Years Service Award

Assistant Director of Clinical Services Michelle Tinio (far left), Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (left), and Lee Kelly, Director of Clinical Services (far right) present Carolyn White (right) her 30 Years Service Award

Director of Environmental & Food Services Mark Chisholm (left) and Chair of the Board Camilla Benoit (center) present Jacqueline Delorey her 30 Years Award

Resident Support Worker (RSW)

POSITION: Resident Support Worker (RSW)
DEPARTMENT: Clinical Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

The Resident Support Worker is an important role in supporting the needs of residents in the Home. Working collaboratively with the CCA’s to support the activities of daily living, while supporting residents’ physical and emotional needs. The RSW is responsible to the Team Lead RN or LPN in the Care Area. They are assigned to work throughout the home and provide extra support to the care area they are working in. The RSW is a team player, who is resident centered in their role. They are adaptable to changes of environment and needs that arise during the day. A good work ethic, initiative, and ability to meet the physical demands in a fast pace environment is essential in this role.

 

Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Answer call bells
  • Assist with mealtimes
  • Assist residents with eating and drinking
  • Assist with setting up and cleaning up from meals
  • Bed making
  • Spotting resident transfers
  • Tidying bedrooms-sweep/mop floors
  • Assist residents to and from activities
  • To promote and maintain the safety of residents, staff, and visitors at all times
  • Regular check ins with residents
  • Review Life Plans in residents charts
  • Support residents with activities or needs
  • Kitchen and dishes clean up
  • Laundry in the Cottages
  • Restock rooms/carts etc
  • Tidy up dirty utility room (laundry carts, garbage etc.)
  • Duties as assigned by the Team Lead RN or LPN
 

Training Provided on Site

  • General Orientation
  • Resident Safe Lifting and Handling Training
  • Assistance with Dining Training
  • Heimlich Maneuver Training
  • Gentle Persuasive Approach
 

Position Specific Competencies

  • All interactions, care delivery and presentation of self to others is congruent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety)
  • Role modelling our core values at all times
  • Resident Centred philosophy of care
  • Strong professional communication skills
  • Self- awareness
  • Participates well in a team
  • Contributes to a positive environment
  • Adaptable and Flexible
  • Self driven: shows initiative
  • Contributes to a culture of safety
  • Professional Presence
 

Education/Experience:

  • Grade 12 Completion
  • Diploma in social services, human services considered an asset
  • Experience working on long term care, or with seniors considered an asset
  • Experience working in customer service / hospitality considered an asset

Annual Progress Report 2022-2023

It has been a busy year for the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Board of Directors. As I write this, our Home continues to address and live with the challenges of a post Pandemic. Now more than ever it is so important to thank the staff of the RK for their dedication, support and the incredible care provided during these challenging times.

The Board of Directors take their responsibilities in ensuring that our direction is captured on our Vison Statement creating “An alive and vibrant community built on meaningful relationships that celebrate and encourages a uniqueness of spirit and character” and is sustained by our Mission Statement in “Providing loving, dignified quality and enabling all people to live full and abundant lives“.

As a Board we are kept well informed of RK business. Our committees including Executive, Quality Safety & Governance, Building &Grounds, Finance and Infrastructure Renewal Steering Committee work closely with Senior Leaders providing monthly reports. In addition, reports from the CEO, Director of Clinical Services, RK MacDonald Foundation, Family Council and Resident Council are presented at our monthly Board meetings.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to personally thank our former board members Sister Stella Chaff, Sue Ellen McCarron, and Mary MacLellan, who we can all agree had a big impact during their tenure on the Board.

A special welcome is extended to our newly minted Board members Sister Catherine Ann MacGillivray and Gerald MacDonald – (representatives for the Congregation of the Sisters of St Martha) and Harris McNamara, (Municipality of the County of Antigonish, District 9 County Councilor).

Key Board Focus Areas:

  • Preparing for Accreditation Canada Surveyors in the fall of 2023.
  • Promoting a supportive role for the RK MacDonald Foundation, Family and Resident Council.
  • Establishing community relationships with our Indigenous partners
  • Developing ongoing role descriptions for our Directors, Executive members and Chairs of Committees.  Delivering a variety of education sessions for our Board of Directors
  • Supporting the promotion of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion within the RK community
  • Supporting our Infrastructure Renewal Steering committee as we journey towards the new RK MacDonald Nursing Home and ensuring the inclusion of all stakeholders into the design of the new RK MacDonald Nursing Home
  • Continuing and promoting collaborative relationships with our external partners such as St Francis Xavier University, Town and Municipal leaders and representatives.

The success of our Board is directly linked to the contribution and hard work from Terry MacIntyre CEO, the Senior Leadership Team and the Administrative Assistant,

I would like to extend heart full thank you to all for an excellent year and look forward to up a coming year.

Respectively,

Camilla Benoit,
Board OF Directors Chair

The full Annual Progress Report (2022-2023) can be read here.

InterRAi Nurse

POSITION:                                     InterRAi Nurse
DEPARTMENT:                              Nursing
RESPONSIBLE/REPORTS TO:     Director of Clinical Services

Scope of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the InterRAI Nurse is accountable for the planning, coordinating, and the ongoing InterRAI assessments.  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 MacDonald Nursing Home. The InterRAI Nurse serves as a professional role model as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments on residents using the InterRAI assessment tool on the Civica (Momentum) application.
  • Collaborate with nursing home staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans for residents.
  • Monitor the progress of residents and make adjustments to their care plans as needed
  • Ensure that all assessments and care plans comply with nursing home policies, and InterRAI guidelines.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments and care plans.
  • Participate in training and continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of InterRAI assessment tool updates and changes.
  • Serve as a resource for nursing home staff on InterRAI assessment tool and care planning.
  • Participation on the admission process.

 

Competencies specifics to position

  • Ability to complete thorough nursing assessments.
  • Strong computer skills or willingness to learn.
  • Experience with Microsoft excel, word etc., is considered an assets.
  • Strong organization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated professional and positive behavior.
  • Reliable, with regular and consistent attendance

 

Educational Qualifications:

  • RN or BScN at an accredited School/College of Nursing
  • Current registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of electronic medical record systems an asset.
  • Recent experience in geriatric setting preferred.

 

Approved by:                         Director of Clinical Services

We Are Hiring!

We Are Hiring!

NEW GRAD RNS & STUDENT NURSES
Nursing Students to work as CCA’s (Continuing Care Assistants) or as RNS

WE LOVE TO SEE NEW FACES ON OUR TEAM!

The R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home is a 136 bed Nursing Home located in the center of the Town of Antigonish with connections to the Town and County.   We are looking for Nurses to support our team in providing the best person centered care to our valuable residents.

Things we can provide you:

  • We can pair you with skilled RN’s or CCA’s to give you a great orientation to the Home
  • Provide assignments to use your skills and gain new ones
  • Provide you with opportunities to work with our RNs or CCAs and gain experience within our (4) Care Areas
  • Develop Leadership and Care skills in Geriatric Care
  • Competitive pay rates and other benefits
  • Form lasting relationships with residents & families and staff

INTERESTED?

Let’s schedule an interview as soon as possible, and start the paper work process.

Please get in contact with Jacqueline Delorey, Human Resource Coordinator by forwarding your resume to email: jobs@rkmacdonald.ca

For your Successful hire we will need the following:

  • Resume
  • Void cheque (banking information)
  • Social Insurance #
  • Health card #
  • 2 References from former employers/ or clinical placement supervisor
  • Copy of your Criminal records Check with Vulnerable Sector (Police Check) dated within 6 mos. (request is required by HR to get request a new one at RCMP)
  • Proof of Double Vaccination (Covid-19) (As per the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Protocol in High-Risk Settings, Nova Scotia Health requires all team members to be fully vaccinated by November 30th, 2021.)
  • Confirmation Letter enrolled in Nursing Program or License to work as RN

We look forward to meeting you and having you join our team!