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R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home

Simply Ducky Manager

Supervising Registered Nurse

Jun 30, 2022

POSITION: Supervising RN
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

The Supervising RN is accountable to the Director of Clinical Services in the provision of front-line leadership to the nursing and support staff and ensures that the mission, vision and core values, expected behaviors, leadership philosophy, ethics, safety, quality and inter-professional collaboration are integrated within the Home. The Supervising RN is responsible for monitoring the quality outcomes [see Appendix A] as they relate to the care provided by our nursing care partners.

The Supervising RN is accountable and responsible to role model our core values; demonstrate excellence in practice and to provide staff with assistance, support in the delivery of holistic, person-centered care. They must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with all members of the care team, especially the resident and their family.

Cultural Philosophy:

  • Constructive / Participatory Leadership

Cultural Norms:

  • Achievement based thinking
  • Self-actualized thinking
  • Humanistic – encouraging based thinking.
  • Affiliative based thinking –

Core Values:

  • Compassion Accountability Respect: Excellence Safety:

Key Responsibilities

Implicit in this role is the responsibility for supervising and participating in the day-to-day provision of quality care for all residents. The Supervising RN is responsible to utilize leadership and management skills to identify and solve problems. In supporting our vision of an alive and vibrant community built on meaningful relationships that celebrates and encourages a uniqueness of spirit and character the Supervising RN is responsible for building and developing, for supporting and encouraging the development and continuance of a cohesive, responsive, cooperative care team that maintains a continual focus on a holistic approach to living. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home, the Supervising RN 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 person-centred care, the Supervising RN represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Leadership: accountable to inspire care partners to role model our core values and to coach and build a team that will achieve the vision – “leading care partners to excellence”

  • Excellent attendance
  • Self –educator
  • Ability to host / Chair team meetings
  • Ability to present education sessions on a variety of care related topics
  • Knowledgeable of and monitors compliance with the provincial LTC Facility Program Requirements
  • Responsible for the efficient and effective day to day functioning of all nursing care areas
  • Supports staff and manages the first level of discussion with Incident Reports and care partner / family conflict and addressing resident unmet needs, i.e. behaviors
  • Models our core values creating an atmosphere that empowers staff to contribute to the delivery of high quality care
  • Provides a visible, identifiable presence that invites feedback and discussion
  • Contributes to the delivery of organizational objectives
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal relationships with staff, residents, families and other care providers
  • Enhancing staff satisfaction by creating a challenging and positive work environment

Clinical Care Coordination and Supervision: accountable for the delivery of safe and competent, resident focused care – “be the expert in geriatric nursing”

  • To be familiar with the resident population in order to make safe and appropriate decisions about care plans and care staff assignments
  • Provides safe and competent direct clinical care [e.g. assessments and treatment] to support/direct care delivered by the RN Team Lead / LPN / CCA care partners
  • Monitors resident care plans to ensure they are person-centred and focused on achievable goals and outcomes
  • Provides leadership, education, direction and coordination to staff ensuring safe & effective clinical practices are occurring
  • Enhances the resident experience by performing rounds and building relationships
  • Leads the admission process ensuring that the focus of care is holistic and person rather than medically centered

Human Resources: accountable to maximize employee performance in service to the Mission, Vision & Core Values of the Home – “promoting excellence in care”

  • Monitors skills and competencies of nursing care partners and ensures that the skills are kept current taking appropriate proactive or corrective action when required
  • Conducts annual performance reviews with all staff and assists each staff person in developing goals and action plans specific to their performance review and learning needs
  • Conducts care area staff meetings at least monthly, preferably bi-weekly

Family Relations: accountable for the recognition and inclusion of family as care givers. Responsible for establishing and maintaining compassionate and respectful relationships with family members and recognizing the critical role they continue to play in the lives of those entrusted in our care – “ensuring the resident’s voice is heard”.

  • Maintain open and respectful lines of communication with family by ensuring family is invited and welcomed as a partner in care planning
  • Welcomes and encourages family feedback

Continuous Quality Improvement & Occupational Health and Safety: accountable for the continuous quality improvement and safety initiatives that will make every important aspect of the resident’s experience better. Responsible for ensuring standards of practice, codes of ethics and health and safety are understood and followed – “driving continuous growth creating a safe and healthy environment”

  • Investigates Safety Event and Fall Reports involving residents to ensure corrective strategies are implemented in care planning in an effort to reduce reoccurrences.
  • Participates in implementing and evaluating quality initiatives – see (Appendix) Quality Outcomes
  • Ensures safe work practices are adhered to at all times
  • Ensures staff adherence to infection control practices

Supports

The RN Supervisor will have the support of the Director of Clinical in administering their roles and responsibilities as outlined in this job description

Educational Qualifications

  • RN, B.Sc.N. preferred
  • Current registration with CRNNS
  • Certificate in gerontology nursing [or willingness to obtain]
  • Current CPR, WHIMIS ,CPI
  • Certificate in Gentle Persuasive Approach
  • Certificate in P.I.E.C.E.S.

Experience Required

  • Five years nursing experience in Geriatric Nursing
  • Previous supervisory experience an asset

Knowledge & Skills Required

  • Demonstrated flexibility
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Evidence of the ability to motivate others
  • Strong resident focus and ability to build relationships
  • Commitment to supporting a culture that supports and lives our mission, vision & values
  • Demonstrated self confidence in protecting the rights and well-being of residents as opposed to those of our care partners
  • Demonstrated critical thinking & problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to self-learning and continuous professional education
  • Effective and compassionate communication & interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence in addressing conflict and securing resolution

Competencies

Competence means the ability to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills and judgement required to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and practice setting.

  • Ongoing professional development and competence is required
  • Maintains an awareness of current trends and issues in gerontological nursing care
  • Identifies, achieves and maintains own professional development needs

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

Approved by: Director of Clinical Services

Assistant Director of Clinical Services

Feb 7, 2022

POSITION: Assistant Director of Clinical Services
DEPARTMENT: Nursing/Rehab Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Assistant Director of Clinical Services (ADCL) is a key member of the leadership team. Responsibilities include the day to day management and integration of resident care services throughout the organization in collaboration with the Director of Clinical Services and Supervising RN.

The essential areas of responsibility include creating and fostering an environment of clinical excellence, innovation, enthusiasm and professional growth. The ADCS shows initiative and flexibility, has a strong commitment to the maintenance of the health and quality of life of the residents, demonstrates principle-based decision making, leads a cooperative work environment and has an ability to organize time and resources effectively. The ADCS assists the Director of Clinical Services in assessing the effectiveness of clinical programs and activities on the basis of quality outcomes and alignment with best practices.

Functions and Responsibilities

  • To promote and maintain the safety of residents, staff, and visitors as a strategic priority for the home at all times
  • Assists in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, directing and evaluating Continuous Quality Initiatives in the nursing department.
  • Role models our core values in carrying out the philosophy, objectives, policies, and standards for resident care and related nursing services.
  • Works with Sr. Leaders (Directors) and clinical service providers to ensure adherence with Long Term Care Program requirements.
  • Leads the new resident admission process.
  • Supports the Supervising RN’s / RRN’s in ensuring best practices are employed in addressing changes in resident conditions or behaviors [PIECES Model].
  • Coordinates the department functions with all other departments and services of the Home.
  • Consults and advises the Director of Clinical Services on concerns related to the Nursing Department and the Home.
  • Assists the Director of Clinical Services in the recruiting, hiring, performance appraisal, coaching and progressive disciplinary process of the nursing staff.
  • Promotes and maintains harmonious relationships among nursing personnel and with physicians, residents, families and the public.
  • Plans, evaluates and directs orientation and educational training for all nursing staff. This would include the promotion of geriatric studies / certification opportunities and RN Premiums.
  • Assists the Director of Clinical Services are in preparation of Annual Budget, and in tracking and analyzing monthly variances.
  • Assumes responsibilities in the absence of the Director of Clinical Services.
  • Willingness to pursue self-directed ongoing education and best practices in Continuing Care and Management.
  • Participates in Union/Management discussions.
  • Participates in the attendance support program.
  • Participation on committees as required by the Director of Clinical Services.
  • Assumes responsibility for Infection Control for the facility. Works with staff, Department Directors and Department of Health and Wellness in the development, updates, and annual education and implementation of an Infection Control Program.
  • Responsible for carrying out other duties as may be required by the Assistant Director under the Homes for Special Care Act, Home’s by-laws and as determined by the Director of Clinical Services and/or CEO.

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
  • Posses the person-centered qualities and attitudes that respect the spirit, dignity and individuality of the resident and their family
  • Understands and is able to integrate a philosophy of 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 a Leadership Team

Education/Experience:

  • BSc Nursing Required
  • Previous demonstrated leadership experience required
  • Demonstrated experience with Accreditation and Quality Initiatives
  • Excellent Computer Skills [Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook]
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Conflict Management / Resolution Training an asset [or willing to be trained]
  • SAFER Leadership Certificate an asset
  • P.I.E.C.E.S. Certificate
  • Teepa Snow Training or Gentle Persuasive Approach training an asset
  • WHMIS, PIPC and PHIA training an asset

Approved by: Director of Clinical Services – Nonunion/Mgt. Position

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 29th, 2021, the Premier of Nova Scotia and Dr. Robert Strang announced a new government policy that will take effect Monday Octo. 4th , 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. 4th , 2021. All Designated Care Givers are required to be doubly vaccinated and present proof of vaccination effective Nov. 30th, 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!

Visitation Update – July 2, 2021

Jul 2, 2021

Dear Residents, Family and Friends of RK MacDonald

There were further easing of restrictions in LTC at the June 30, 2021 announcement. There are a number of different regulations we must continue to follow. Restrictions have eased but Public Health measures have not. The Delta variant is in the province. Our experience with the UK variant tells us the new strains can quickly take hold.

Please wear your mask properly at all times on the property– inside and outside. Residents live communally and exposure for one person has the potential to affect everyone. We have to remain committed and vigilant to keeping each other virus free.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Get fully vaccinated. Encourage loved ones to get fully vaccinated. Don’t visit with cold symptoms. Don’t visit if you have a close contact who has cold symptoms/awaiting testing results. Get regular asymptomatic testing.

It is also imperative that anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms and/or tests positive within two weeks of their visit to the facility, notifies the facility immediately to ensure we take the necessary precautions here.

Based on staffing availability, we are now booking indoor and outdoor visits seven days a week. Please call 902-870-3458 to book an appointment. Residents can have 3-5 visitors at one time.  Visitors must be screened prior to the visit.

For residents who are fully immunized against COVID-19:

Indoor visits:

  • Are available in designated visitation areas and in resident rooms.
  • We are only able to accommodate 2 visitors indoors at a time.
  • Scheduling is required. Book your appointment by calling 902-870-3458
  • Visitors must be screened prior to entry into the Home.
  • Residents are encouraged, but are not required, to wear a mask and physically distance from their visitor(s).
  • Indoor visits are scheduled for 30 minutes.
  • These Indoor visits are in addition to visitation from Designated Care providers.
  • Maximum number of visitors indoors is 4 per resident. If that number is exceeded- especially in semi-private bedrooms, staff will support finding alternative visiting spaces inside or on the grounds. We ask for your cooperation and flexibility to ensure we can accommodate visits indoors.
  • Indoor visits will begin on Monday, July 5, 2021 between 11:00 am-4:30pm. As noted they must be pre-booked.

Outdoor Visits:

  • Are available in designated areas outside
  • Outdoor visits can accommodate 3-5 people at one time.
  • Scheduling is required. Book your appointment by calling 902-870-3458
  • If the visitor(s) are wearing a mask, social distance is not required. If the visitor(s) are unmasked, social distancing is required.
  • Visits are scheduled for 30 minutes.
  • Visitors must be screened prior to the visit.

Full community access is now permitted for residents who are fully vaccinated.

  • Designated Caregivers are able to accompany residents to retail stores, restaurants, banks, etc.
  • Those residents who remain independent, may access the community unaccompanied.
  • The Team Lead RN/LPN in the care area must be notified of the outing- ideally in advance, to ensure residents are prepared to go out.
  • A sign-out/sign-in book will be available in the front lobby.

For residents who are partially immunized or not immunized against COVID-19,

Outdoor Visits

  • The resident can have 3-5 visitors outside.
  • Visits outdoors without physical distancing are now permitted.
  • Residents are encouraged, but are not required, to wear a mask. Visitors must wear a mask.
  • The visitor and the resident may hug, touch, or exchange a handshake during an outdoor visit.
  • Residents may now access outdoor public areas such as boardwalks, parks, etc. The resident must maintain physical distancing (except with their Designated Caregiver or support person accompanying them).
  • Partially or unimmunized residents are not permitted to come into contact with others during the outing and are not able to access restaurants, banks, stores etc at this time.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health determines what can or cannot happen in each phase of lifting restrictions, with advice from the Department of Health and Wellness, Public Health, Infection Prevention and Control, and Continuing Care. The foundation of decision-making is rooted in clinical and public health evidence, and considers factors including COVID-19 activity, vaccination rates, and an understanding of the unique needs of our long-term care residents. As always, it will take us several days to adapt to the increased visitation. There continue to be a number of safeguards and monitoring required on the part of the facility.

We are inching through this and making progress. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we continue to ease restrictions.

 

 

Pan Pal Project a Great Success With Residents

Jun 23, 2021

The RK MacDonald Nursing Home is delighted to see its residents connecting with local students. During a time when so many of us feel isolated already, the burden on our residents has been even higher as public health measures have often resulted in visits from loved ones being cancelled or postponed.

A recent article in Saltwire covers the wonderful relationship between the students and our residents.

A pen pal project at Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School has allowed students to connect with senior citizens in the community.

Students in Mrs. Synishin’s Grade 12 health and human services class were tasked with the assignment of writing letters to residents of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.

“I was pleasantly surprised with how much the Grade 12s loved it,” said Synishin. “One sort of incidental thing that they learned that a lot of them didn’t know was just the art of writing a personal letter … and practicing their cursive writing was a big deal because I wasn’t gonna let them email. I said it has to be a generational thing where you’re personally writing a letter to someone.”

Read the full article on the Saltwire website here.

Phase II Visitation Rules

Jun 16, 2021

June 16, 2021

As always the easing of restrictions is exciting and while the highlights are announced, often the details are not. New easing of restrictions means increased access to visitors and the community, but the Public Health measures have not eased. Wash your hands, wear a mask, physically distance, and don’t visit if you’re sick. Getting asymptomatic testing done, getting vaccinated, and disinfecting high touch surfaces are also essential components for keeping each other well. The changes in the document are effective tomorrow, Thursday, June 17, 2021.

As we enter these new phases-please be gentle with the staff, particularly the screening staff. Rules for the broader community are not the same for Long Term Care. The rules we follow and have to enforce are mandated by the “COVID-19 Management in LTC Facilities Directive under the Authority of the Chief Medical Officer of Health –June 7,2021” which are posted on our website.

Here are the document highlights related to visits and outings:

When visitation occurs (as permitted within the Health Protection Act Order) in long term care facilities the following measures must be in place:

  • Visitor information must be logged, including name, contact information, date and time of attendance at the facility.
  • Visitors must be screened upon arrival and be asymptomatic
  • Environmental cleaning of surfaces in the designated visiting areas occurs before and after each visit.
  • Visitors, DCP’s and volunteers are not permitted to enter the facility or grounds if they are under a requirement to self-isolate (due to travel, awaiting for results of COVID-19 testing , due to contact with a COVID-19 case, are currently ill with COVID-19 or for other reasons).
  • In addition to the requirements listed above, for outdoor social visits, visitors must wear a medical or non –medical mask during the visit.
  • In addition to the requirements listed above, for indoor social visits, visitors must wear a medical mask during the visit.
  • Outdoor visits are permitted for all residents. Outdoor visits without physical distancing is permitted for fully immunized residents only, and all visitors must be masked.
  • 2 DCP’s can visit a resident at the same time

 

NOTE: Volunteers and DCP’s are not required to maintain a physical distance of 2 meters /6 feet while performing care related tasks.

 

OFFSITE ACCESS:

Residents can go offsite with the DCPs or facility support person and access local parks, trails etc as able. They should not have contact with community members without wearing a mask.

Residents who are able, are permitted to go offsite to access trails, parks etc. alone if it is mutually agreeable between resident and the facility.

 

CAR RIDES:

As residents are not able to leave the vehicle while on an outing, we suggest a 60-90 minute maximum time frame. Those requesting longer outings will be redirected to a senior leader to discuss.  Residents are still not able to have access to community members or loved ones while out- we expect more freedoms in phase three and four.

The following measures are required for care outings:

  • The vehicle is cleaned and disinfected prior to and after each trip/outing.
  • The driver (DCP) is screened as per facility protocols and must be asymptomatic.
  • Residents are not permitted to get out of the vehicle during the trip/outing.
  • Hand hygiene must occur prior to and after the trip/outing.
  • Trip/outing information must be logged, including the DCP information, date and time of trip/outing.
  • Overnight visits are not permitted at this time

 

PACKAGE and MEAL DROP OFFS

In order to manage screening, supervising outdoor visits and daily deliveries we are also making the following changes:

  • Non-perishable items will be delivered once daily (around 2pm).
  • DCPs are welcome to drop off items in the care areas during visiting hours.
  • Meal drop off– We are finding that there are times meal drop offs come after mealtime has started in the care areas. In order to get meals to the residents before the scheduled meal times, we suggest the following drop off times:
    • Breakfast: Between 8:00am and 8:15 am
    • Lunch between: Between 11:30am-11:45am
    • Supper/Dinner: Between 4:00pm-4:15pm

We have streamlined the DCP and outdoor visits screening, but we must still collect the necessary information.

Here is a list of expected phases and the associated loosening of restrictions. Please remember, lifting and loosening restrictions does not mean Public Health measures are changing. Subject to change*****

(Click to enlarge)

I know it’s a lot of information to absorb. As you can see, there are many details we are required to follow as we move through the new phases.

We are almost there! We have accomplished and endured a lot over the past 15 months. We can finish strong!! Vaccinations have been key to our growing freedoms, and Public Health measures continue to keep us open and safe.

Michelle Thompson