SUMMARY

Under the direction and supervision of the Nursing Coordinator, the Licensed Practical Nurse works with the Registered Nurse in providing quality care to children and families in a pediatric hospice setting. Duties include assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care for children with stable symptoms within an interdisciplinary team framework in accordance with Standards of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia and consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Canuck Place Children's Hospice. There are casual, on-call positions available. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses with current full practicing licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia (CLPNBC), supplemented with two years experience in pediatric and/or palliative care nursing and a valid CPR; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates ability to complete full child assignment of stable children
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with others as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated observation skills and ability to recognize and identify symptoms/problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to speak, understand, read and write English.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Knowledge and skills to operate a personal computer.

TYPICAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provides direct nursing care and assists children with bathing, dressing, care of skin and hair, toileting, assisting with transfers, ambulation and use of mechanical lifts and oversees children’s exercise programs.
• Performs selected nursing procedures such as administering tube feedings, inserting gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes, giving suppositories and enemas, providing ostomy care, and with adequate education, provides care of a child with tracheostomy and/or mechanical ventilation.
• Administers medications that have been deemed appropriate by Canuck Place Children's Hospice’s policies, regulations and procedures.
• Performs respiratory care which includes chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and care of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (eg. BiPap).
• Provides children’s comfort and safety by using patient safety devices, practicing medical asepsis, carrying out isolation techniques and using mechanical lifts.
• Assists with meals by serving and feeding children.
• Participates in evaluating the effectiveness of nursing care treatments and informs designated nursing staff of significant changes in the condition of children.
• Participates in family team meetings, care conferences, interdisciplinary team rounds and reports observations, concerns and changes in a child’s condition.
• Maintains children’s charts by noting observations and care provided; prepares reports for shift handover or as required; and completes admission and discharge procedures by collecting and documenting information regarding care of child and family.
• Reviews and revises care plans to ensure continuity and quality of care. Advises charge nurse of care issues raised by children/families and current status of issue.
• Promotes children and family advocacy by ensuring children’s rights are understood and respected, ensuring children and families’ rights of privacy and confidentiality are maintained.
• Promotes and maintains positive communications with staff, children, families, volunteers, and the public.
• Follows policies, procedures and standards of excellence to ensure a safe environment for children and families, other staff, volunteers and visitors.
• Participates in and supports patient and family teaching. Participates in the orientation of new LPN staff and LPN students, and assists in the orientation of other members of the care team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Please send your cover letter and resume to: 

Human Resources
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
Fax: 604 739 4376
e-mail: recruitment@canuckplace.org   

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted. No phone calls please.