Brianna Armsworthy

Junior Accountant

Junior Accountant

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

POSITION: Junior Accountant
DEPARTMENT: Finance
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Finance

Scope of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Junior Accountant supports the functions of the Finance Department. As an employee of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation, every person is responsible for providing a stimulating environment for the residents.

In keeping with our Mission, Vision, and Core Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Junior Accountant 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:

  1. Understand that the Resident and family are central to all departmental activities, services and decisions. Establish and maintain working relationships which align with the Mission, Vision, Values, and philosophy of resident-centred care of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home.
  2. Accounting and finance tasks include but are not limited to:
    • Assist with year-end procedures
    • Assist with pension and benefit reconciliations
    • Ownership of union dues calculations and related remittances
    • Accounts payable oversight and reconciliation
    • Accounts payable and payroll file management
    • Payroll oversight and reconciliation
    • Working with Resident Accounts Clerk to assist with billing and receivables
    • Department of Health and Seniors in Long-Term Care reports
    • Ownership of remittance reporting for payroll, pension and benefits
    • HST Reconciliation and Reporting

Required, Education, & Experience:

  • Proficient with Sage 300 or similar ERP software.
  • Proficient with Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Well-formed knowledge and understanding of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll.
  • Excellent understanding of IFRS.
  • Both of the following:
    • 4+ years experience in an accounting role required (preference to long-term care experience). E.g., Accounting Clerk, Finance Clerk, Bookkeeper, Jr. Accountant.
    • Accounting Diploma, Degree, or other related accounting / finance education is preferred (CPA not required).

Job-Related Skills & Competencies:

  • Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Proficient knowledge of accounting software, Sage 300 preferred.
  • Working knowledge of scheduling software.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to maintain confidential integrity around confidential information.
  • Ability to provide excellent judgement, accuracy and detail in work performance.
Junior Accountant

Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant

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

POSITION: Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant (Contract Position)
DEPARTMENT: Administration
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

Scope of Position:

The Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant is a passionate and organized individual with experience in fundraising and wants to make a difference in the lives of our seniors living in Long-Term Care. Reporting to the CEO the Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant is a detail-oriented and creative individual, working with a Fundraising Consultant to support our fundraising efforts through community and donor engagement for supporting Agencies of The RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation and the RK Nursing Home Foundation.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Fund Development

  • Execute an established fund development plan
  • Develop grant proposals and apply for funding
  • Identify and cultivate prospects for major gifts, and outside / third-party fundraisers
  • Cultivate a network of dedicated donors and volunteers
  • Guide the donation management process (receipting, thank you letters, recognition)
  • Manage and regularly update the donor database
  • Manage a budget and track goal achievement
  • Collaborate with the RK staff, board, and appropriate committees
  • Effectively convey the organization’s mission, vision, and programs

2. Event Planning

  • Plan and execute all aspects (including logistics, sponsors, volunteers, etc.) of fundraising and membership events
  • Seek out new third-party events and act as primary liaison with their organizers
  • Promote events to appropriate audiences
  • Maintain positive relations and communications with donors, sponsors, and stakeholders
  • Recruit, manage, and support event volunteers

3. Administration:

  • Create and maintain financial reporting process
  • Coordinate meetings including invitation, minute taking, etc.
  • Ensure the database is updated regularly with accurate and detailed information

Skills:

  • A commitment to the RK MacDonald’s mission and core values
  • Experience working with not-for-profit boards, volunteers, and donors an asset
  • English Essential – Bilingualism is a strong asset
  • Sincere enjoyment of older adults including the ability to listen and understand what is of value to them
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong time-management skills and multitasking ability
  • Proficient in software and aptitude to learn new software and systems
  • Solid interpersonal skills

Required Qualifications:

  • Relevant post-secondary education (e.g., fundraising management) or experience
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in campaign fundraising with a track record of supporting successful Capital Campaigns is an asset
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Experience managing social media content and digital campaigns
  • A valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle are required
  • Must pass a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks
Junior Accountant

Shellfish Allergy SOP 2026

The RK MacDonald Nursing Home would like to remind visitors, staff, and residents to be mindful of those with shellfish allergies this spring and summer. Shellfish allergies can cause serious, life-threatening reactions. To minimize the risk of cross-contamination and exposure, this SOP (standard operating procedure) outlines the mandatory procedures that must be followed when lobster is brought into the facility.

For more about the RK MacDonald Nursing Home’s latest SOPs and information surrounding shellfish allergies, please click here (pdf).

2025-2028 Strategic Plan

2025-2028 Strategic Plan

We are excited to announce that our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan is now available.

As the RK Corporation looks forward to the move to 59 Church Street Ext. in June 2028, the Home will continue to stay focused on its mission of “Providing loving, dignified, quality care and enabling people to live full and abundant lives”. Our mission will be enhanced through ongoing operational excellence by supporting process optimization, continued technology integration, cost awareness measures and enhancing employee engagement.

The RK Corporation also recognizes that engaged employees, in a positive work environment, are crucial to achieving operational excellence. The RK will continue to invest in initiatives aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and wellbeing. This includes supporting professional development programs, wellness initiatives, and enhancing our employee recognition process.

With a strong operational foundation that respects staff workloads, along with the continued support from our key stakeholders: Corporate Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Directors and our new build partners Colliers Project Leaders, and the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, the RK Corporation is well-positioned to achieve its strategic objectives of a successful transition to 59 Church St. Ext. through nurturing our people and growing diversity, equity and an inclusive culture that is committed to role modeling our core values of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and safety.

To read the full Strategic Plan document, please click here.

2025 Resident & Family Satisfaction Survey Results

2025 Resident & Family Satisfaction Survey Results

The Resident and Family Satisfaction Surveys were carried in out in November and December of 2025 and are utilized as an annual continuous quality indicator ensuring the voice of the service users, i.e. our Residents and their families, is heard by the service provider, i.e. the Home. The surveys were completed by 18 family members (SDM’s) and 56 residents – where some were completed independently or with the support of Recreation staff.

Very special thanks to everyone that has contributed to our feedback highway…. your insights / experiences are greatly appreciated!

CEO’s Summary

For clarity, when the survey refers to care staff, this means all of us! Where survey results reflect the need for improvement, we’re all engaged to make those improvements and where survey results reflect excellence in care, we all celebrate what each of us brings to the RK team, to our residents, and their families.

A review of this year’s survey shows once again the RK team is living our mission of “Providing loving, dignified quality care, and enabling people to live full and abundant lives.”

For instance, the Resident Satisfaction Survey presents 7 categories, consisting of 33 questions and the average score for “Strongly Agree / Agree was 85.7%. As well the Family Satisfaction Survey presented 7 categories, with 34 survey questions and the average score for “Strongly Agree / Agree was 83.8%. Pretty awesome!

However, on reviewing the survey questions, were noticing some ambiguity in our questions, and we’ve missed opportunity to dig deeper for feedback. For example, we asked “Are there any safety hazards you can identify for us?” Twenty-two respondents said “Yes”, and we didn’t provide an opportunity to for folks to tell us about them, which would enable us to specifically address the safety issue. From the ambiguity perspective, questions presented are not department or area specific which sometimes makes it difficult to identify the service area in need of support / improvement.

This survey has identified a key area in need of exploring – communications! As many of you have / are experiencing the emotional challenges presented with a family member living in long-term care, on admission you would have received pages of print material supporting the admission process. This survey tells us a lot of information gets missed and likely adds to family members frustration when they have questions, and are uncertain where to find the answers. For example, the survey asked “I am familiar with the palliative care process”, and 55% of the respondents said “no”. So instead of presenting palliative care information during the admission process, let’s add the discussion on our palliative care processes as an agenda item at the resident’s initial 6-week care conference!

The same can be said about some of our processes; how we deal with lost glasses, hearing aids, or our phone system. We need to really promote the use of the Resident’s Handbook as a quick reference tool.

As always, we offer a very special thanks to all those who provided feedback. Please know it is very much appreciated and helps us to grow as service providers!

– Terry MacIntyre, CEO

 

To download the 2025 Resident & Family Satisfaction Survey Results (pdf), click here.

Junior Accountant

Clinical Support Nurse

POSITION: Clinical Support Nurse
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

The Clinical Support Nurse develops and facilitates the supervision of current and future RPL students working in the role of CCA (Continuing Care Assistant). The Clinical Support Nurse will impart knowledge, experience, and skillset to nursing students to improve clinical practice in nursing. The provision of support to focus on the R.K. MacDonald’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values as well as best and emerging practice in geriatric care. In keeping with our Mission, Vision, and Values and our philosophy of Resident-Centered Care, the Clinical Support Nurse serves as a 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:

1. Facilitate and oversee nursing student’s clinical placement (orientation / mentoring) based on skill needs of student.

  • Coordinates assignment of CCA Mentor with assistance of HR Coordinator.
  • Supervises and provides support to all student nurses during clinical placement to determine educational needs and growth opportunities.
  • Plans and coordinates extra one on one support or activities to enhance skills as required.
  • Provides clarification of clinical practices, documentation and treatment plans for residents.

2. Evaluates and documents training, mentorship, and educational process’s outcomes.

  • Ongoing shift supervision and provides support in the provision of Care as needed.
  • Provides constructive feedback on nursing student performance to decide on such things as: needs more mentorship, good fit can proceed or no in the RPL program
  • Conducts Performance Reviews as student progresses through i.e., RPL (On site Education Program) students, mid-way and end of mentorship (2 mos. with CCA Mentor)
    Upon a successful completion organizes date of placement on own rotation and submits CAT Tool signed to HR to start RPL Phase I application.
  • Acts as a Proctor for Module Tests for RPL Students as necessary onsite.
  • Assist HR to monitor and motivate the RPL students to ensure completion all components of the CCA Program from a recognized education provider meet set deadlines and set them up to successfully pass the provincial certification examination.

3. Communication: through personal behavior and interactions, and 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
  • Maintain confidentiality with resident, staff, and all matters concerning the Home
  • Creates an effective and encouraging learning environment
  • Visible and accessible to staff
  • Build relationships with staff and assist them in identifying skill and educational needs and supports
  • Communicate person-centered philosophy. That which is a holistic social model of care, which considers the person and their families to be at the center of the care and services provided.

4. Orientation and Skills / Education

  • Coordinate an effective on boarding experience General Orientation and Clinical Experience.
  • Education provided Safe Lifting and Transfer Training and Transfer Codes provided.
  • Initiate, plan, training and educational programs as required for students in PLAR program based upon needs assessments conducted in each department
  • Ensures quality educational experiences to prepare the nursing workforce.
  • Clarification of Nursing Terms, Proper Bed Making, Equipment, Personal Care, Bathing, Documentation, and Transfer techniques, etc., as necessary.
  • Where necessary assists staff with necessary one on one education in regards to performance, or policy or arranges same as deemed necessary by the Departmental Director.

5. Contributes to Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives in the Nursing Department

  • Understands the CCA Scope of Practice and Competency Framework that defines the CCA Scope of Practice.
  • Provide feedback as need on CCA Program Framework as a resource for evaluating and refining the existing education to ensure the relevance of the CCA curriculum.
  • Establish systems to monitor effectiveness of clinical orientation program.

6. Participates in Committees / teams as required.

7. Other duties as may be required.

CORE Competencies:

  • Resident-centered focus (builds positive family relations)
  • Communication (adapts communication to others)
  • Conflict Management (anticipates and addresses sources of potential conflict)
  • Self & Community Awareness (recognizes emotions & being pro-active)
  • Teamwork (fosters Teamwork) Ability to work successfully with all levels in a team environment

Skills

  • Demonstrated Clinical Nursing skills
  • Must have good oral and written communication skills
  • Must have great interpersonal skills
  • Must possess critical thinking skills
  • Must have organizational and mentoring skills
  • Must possess relationship-building skills
  • Ability to assess and identify the learning needs of staff and recommend appropriate educational programs to meet those needs
  • Experience in the MS Office suite of programs is an asset
  • Demonstrated leadership in a unionized environment
  • Knowledgeable in providing Personal Care
  • Scope of Practice and CCA Competency Framework
  • Recent training in Safe Lifting & Handling Transfer Training & knowledge of Transfer Codes

Educational Qualifications

  • Graduate of an accredited LPN school with pharmacological training
  • Licensed with the CLPNNS
  • Certification in CPR, WHMIS, Food Handlers, Dementia / Alzheimer, Palliative care courses, and Gentle Persuasion Approach (GPA)
  • Minimum of three years clinical experience
  • Teaching experience would be an asset
  • Mentor or Instructor Certification an asset

Required Experience

  • Recent clinical experience, including medication administration and leadership duties
  • Experience in geriatric LTC setting an asset
The New RK, Construction Progress

The New RK, Construction Progress

Starting 2026 off strong, here are some new drone pictures showcasing the latest construction developments on the new RK MacDonald Nursing Home. The new RK Nursing Home, located on Church Street Extension, will have ample access to daylight, views of nature and integrated with the landscape.

Congratulations On Retiring!

Congratulations On Retiring!

Congratulation to Sandra Cooke, Donna Boyle, and Rosemary Wallace on their well-deserved retirements. We are grateful for their years of service, professionalism, and compassion in long-term care. Their dedication has had a meaningful impact on the residents of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home.

Junior Accountant

RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation 2025 Accomplishments

In 2025, The RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation had many accomplishments.

Please find a non-exhaustive list below:

  • Quality Outcomes are posted on our website
  • 2x Monthly United Church Services
  • Storytelling Weekly Workshops with Artist – Susan Walsh
  • Weekly Gospel Music Gatherings
  • Completed Phase I of our Operating Systems Enhancement Option Project
  • Management Letter (Finance) recommendations from 2024-2025 are complete
  • Number of days the Home was closed to the Public due to an outbreak = 0
  • Celebrated Canada Day Event – Elbows Up!
  • Board of Directors successfully completed Strategic Planning for 2025-2028
  • Graduated 15 CCA staff members from the RPK program
  • Successful in securing in excess of $500,000 in Emergency and Capital funding for Building Maintenance and Equipment
  • Live – in-person music provided 5-6x per week
  • Developing an investment plan for our Operational and Capital Renewal Reserve funds
  • Hosted Regular Club Bingo with the Lions Club, Kinsmen, 4-H Clubs, and Knights of Columbus
  • Very successful resident garden season
  • Hosted a Staff and Volunteer Christmas Dinner
  • 118 new hires
  • Weekly Rosary & Meditation groups
  • 5 staff completed Mental Health First Aid
  • Networking with Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association and the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia
  • 19 nurses signed a Return of Services Agreement after receiving education funding support
  • Highland Games Float & Parade
  • Bi-weekly Dr. John Hugh Gillis High School Students visits
  • 9 staff completed the Working Mind Training
  • WCB Return to Work Claims costs down by $88,000. Time loss down $25,000
  • Igility Funding – total amount received for clinical services $93,268.43
  • Introduced competitive pricing for administrative / nursing supplies
  • Hosted the Annual Summer Resident Family Fun Afternoon
  • Bi-Monthly Anglican Church Services
  • Website posting of our Quality Improvement Plan
  • Best practice Wound Care Policies
  • Weekly & special holiday’s Roman Catholic Masses
  • Safety: achieved 93% compliance on Senior Leader Monthly Hazard, Safety and Licensing Inspections
  • Opened the Dental Hygiene Clinic
  • Foundation provided $59,000 in program support
  • Children’s Place Day Care visits 1x weekly
  • StFX Service Learning Program with 10 large group events with 10-15 students for each
  • Hired a Staff Development Coordinator to lead the accreditation process
  • Developed consistent process for acknowledging funerals, retirements, sick staff, years of service
  • Secured Occupational Therapy contract with CBI Health
  • Winter StFX Leadership Visits – Bingo, St. Patty’s Day Karaoke Party
  • Hosted Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new home
  • 5 RPL students passed the CCA challenge exam
  • Foundation provided summer employment for three Resident Mobility Companions
  • Kinsmen funded Valentine’s Day supper
  • Implementing new software for Housekeeping Department to improve communications, workflow, and accountability
  • Annual Remembrance Day Service and reception with Arras Branch 59 of the Royal Canadian Legion
  • Ended reliance on nursing travel staff
  • Open Art Studio 3 x weekly with Artists – Deborah Jenkins & Emily Chaytor
  • 600 vaccines given to residents and staff
  • Established Administration inventory review and securing best pricing process
  • Hosted spring and fall Memorial Service for deceased residents
  • Food Service cost saving measures – meal ticket introduced
  • Foundation sponsors Family Fun Day, Resident Lobster Supper, Resident KFC supper, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
  • Continue to support staff with supportive COVID protocols
  • 81% of staff completed the mandatory education
  • Distributed 414,544 resident medications
  • Supporting Family Council recruitment and meeting minutes are posted on the RK website
  • Laundry completed 8045 loads of wash
  • Delivered 148,920 meals this year
  • Established a Cost awareness program
  • 2 ice machines purchased for the Main dining room and Tanglewood
  • 10 staff participated in the Leadership Psychology Safety Certificate UNB
  • Hosted monthly General Staff Meetings
  • Mark Chisholm and Debbie Horne retired
  • Worker’s Compensation Board Merit Status
  • Food Establishment Permit and Nova Scotia Liquor Commission License are posted
  • Welcomed back musician Wes Croxen
  • Successful Emergency Funding Request secured for generator repairs ~$80,000.00
  • Implemented Care Clean software in support of Housekeeping
  • Continue to welcome St. John’s Ambulance Dog Therapy Dogs & Handlers
  • HR attended 3 Recruitment Career Fairs
  • Amy took over Clinical Services Scheduling
  • Psychological Safety and Harassment policies strengthened to meet Provincial standards
  • Creating and Implementing safety processes for Wildfire response planning, Emergency Response, and Confined Space Entry protocols
  • Weekly Rosary & Mediation groups
  • Enhanced Igility Program access
  • Successful Launch of the Song Writers Circle digital album Music Is My Heart (Residents & Artist –Laura Teasdale)
  • 7 staff completed the Psychosocial Risk Management Course
  • 5 staff received Service Award Recognition – 3 for 35 yrs, 1 for 15 yrs, 1 for 10 yrs of service
  • Visits from Halifax Based Musician – Tony Quinn
  • Hosted Bi-weekly Colliers Project Manager meetings
  • Climate Change Resident Film with a variety of speakers and topics – held in Spring 2025
  • Outings to Keppoch with Dr. John Chiasson
  • Kinsmen funded art supplies
  • Implemented a process to ensure timely website updates
  • 2 Dietitians attended a Palliative Care Education Sessions
  • Foundation sponsors Family Fun Day, Resident Lobster Supper, Resident KFC supper, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
  • Bid Awarded to KVS Electrical to install new Sommers 400kw Generator
  • HR Streamlined staff onboarding process
  • Kinsmen sponsored Bingos
  • Participating in monthly Resident Council meetings and meeting minutes are included in Board member packages
  • Completed Phase I of the Admin software update
  • Revised the monthly Hazard, Safety and Licensing Inspections
  • Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Reconciliation
  • 4 outbreaks and 3 had less than 5 residents affected
  • Recreation staff completed Dementiability Methods & Communication Training
  • Networking with LTC NS Advisory Committee
  • Long-Term Care Assistants added to our team Completed the annual Family and Friend Satisfaction Survey
  • Hosted the Annual Antique Automobile Show, BBQ, & Music
  • Emergency funding secured for a replacement Generator & Temp Gen Set Rental costs & Diesel Tank replacement $314,000
  • Provided weekly placement for Winter & Fall StFX semesters for Service Learning Students – 2 hours weekly for 10 weeks.
  • Completed the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey
  • Implementing new software for Dietary Department to reduce redundancies in workflows, standardizing recipes, digital Individual Meal Plans, raw & complete waste tracking
  • Continue to enjoy excellent relationships with both Unifor and NSNU representatives
  • Streamlining our Pastry Program to standardize scratch made desserts
  • Newly established Resident Support Facilitator (RSF) supported residents in researching, and creating adaptive clothing to accommodate resident’s needs
  • Received $18,000.00 from Health + Community Workforce Sector Council supporting Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Long-Term Care
  • Resident visits to Crispin Cornect’s Farm – Simply Ducky Farm in Ashdale
  • Implemented eMARS for medication administration
  • 2x Monthly Visits from Musicians – Bill Grover & Friends
  • Received funding for 4.1 care hours per resident – increasing CCA hours by 13%
  • Established Charge Nurse roles creating consistency within each care area
  • Expanded the CCA Lead positions
  • Hosted Dance For Parkinson’s 10 week Program (sponsored by Arts Health Antigonish facilitated by Olivia Rossong
  • Monthly Visit from Elizabeth Glinz – People’s Place Library – Community Outreach – Story and Song Program

Wow, and this isn’t everything. We truly are a very special group!

Refundable Container Program

Refundable Container Program

CEO Terry MacIntyre supporting the RK Social Committee in their refundable container program. Proceeds from this program support social events throughout the Home. Staff, families, and friends are invited to drop off their refundable containers at the staff entrance.