Summary
We are seeking a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to join our HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Clinic Team. The RPN will provide front line nursing, outreach, testing and health promotion, to clients living with, or are at risk of contracting HCV and HIV.
The RPN works with an interdisciplinary team focusing on the needs of people who are significantly marginalized by poverty, addiction, mental health and housing issues. The RPN will support individuals along the continuum of care from prevention, initial diagnosis, treatment and disease management using a harm reduction and trauma informed approach. High level of engagement with the clients is essential for successful Hepatitis C and HIV treatment and is a role expectation.
The RPN works as a member of a multidisciplinary team supported by a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Care Coordinators, Linkage 2 Care, and Clinic Support Worker. The successful candidate will act with professionalism and courtesy toward clients, the general public and colleagues and will demonstrate knowledge and valuing of the client’s life situation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Frontline/ Nursing Care:
Working to a full scope of practice, the RPN will provide comprehensive primary care nursing assessments, including analysis of health behaviours related to lifestyle and culture, review of the client’s medical history, physical assessments, nursing diagnosis, and, in collaboration with the client, develop and implement the care plans.
Have the ability to work independently under medical directives to screen for HCV, HIV and other STBBIs, provide test results, order pre- and post-treatment workup, and administer vaccines
Ability to triage and consult Nurse Practitioner as needed
Liaise virtual appointments between the patient and Nurse Practitioner
Assist with maintaining the schedule for HIV and HCV patient follow-up
Provide health teaching and harm reduction strategies to prevent HCV, HIV and other STBBI
Collect bloodwork and process for lab pickup and complete POCTs under medical directives
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Meet clients in their own space, if that is considered more conducive to the treatment. This includes clients’ home, or a shelter.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records in accordance with the CNO and Organizations’ policies.
Uphold Professional Code of Conduct and Standards
Due to the highly independent and self-directed nature of this work:
The candidate will ensure adherence to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Code of Conduct and ensure that all nursing practices align with the CNO's practice standards to maintain professional accountability and ethical integrity in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and the public.
Demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice by integrating the Code of Conduct and related CNO standards into daily clinical decision-making and care delivery.
Manage professionalism concerns or complaints in accordance with CNO guidelines, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of any issues, including addressing and resolving professional conduct matters as required by CNO regulations.
Actively participate in the performance appraisal process, including a comprehensive self-evaluation to identify areas for growth, acknowledge strengths, and pursue continuous professional development.
Identify, report, and participate in the debriefing of client safety incidents, good catches, occupational health and safety incidents, and near misses to foster a culture of safety, learning, and improvement within the workplace.
Ensure compliance with all reporting obligations related to incidents, client safety, and professional conduct, and collaborate with appropriate teams to implement corrective actions as needed.
Will participate in peer chart audit reviews to ensure CNO standards are met
Clinic Maintenance:
Support implementation and adherence to organizational infection prevention and control (IPAC) standards.
Support in vaccine management, including ordering and daily temperature checks
Support with managing clinic inventory and ordering supplies as needed
Complete quality control of medical devices, such as POC glucose meter
Organizational Responsibilities:
Participate in team and organization-wide meetings and committees, initiatives, and events.
Participates in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the program, including quality improvement initiatives for the communities served.
Collaborate with other programs to foster an integrated, interprofessional care model of delivery and act as a consultant and resource to the leadership team as well as clinical and non-clinical staff
Community Engagement:
Build and maintain partnerships through outreach and pop-up clinics when/where appropriate, and engage constructively and effectively with Gilbert Centre’s numerous community partner agencies to ensure the success of the HIV & HCV program
Organize outreach Hepatitis C screening and treatment clinics in the community. This might include leading HCV Education Testing Events at correctional facilities.
The responsibilities described above are representative and are not to be construed as all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
Current registration as a Registered Practical Nurse and membership in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario with no restrictions to practice
Current RNAO membership with malpractice insurance
Current BLS/CPR certification
Vaccines up to date (including COVID primary series)
Have a minimum of 3 years of combined nursing experience in the past 5 years in the following areas: primary care, public health, acute care, urgent care or emergency care. Public health experience is considered an asset. Two years could be considered if the candidate demonstrates exceptional equivalent experience in these areas.
Demonstrates an understanding of HCV and HIV knowledge, including prevention, transmission, management, and U=U principles.
Familiar with reporting reportable diseases to public health and case management
Experience administering routine vaccines and familiarity with high-risk vaccine schedule
Demonstrated expertise in medical laboratory procedures, such as phlebotomy skills or willingness to learn
Demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of infection prevention and control practices and procedures
Ability to work with diverse communities with respect, sensitivity, creativity, innovation, cultural understanding, non-judgement, and facilitation skills.
Experience and comfort working with people who have mental health conditions, addictions, and who are living in poverty or incarcerated is required.
Familiarity with harm reduction philosophy and principles and trauma-informed care
Strong computer skills, including the use of MS Office Products and Accuro EMR
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Training in behaviour de-escalation or willingness to learn preferred
Experience in wound care is an asset
Please also note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment; however strong consideration is made to the type of offense. Please note only applications with a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience will be considered.
Compensation:
Salary Range: $35/hour at 35 hours / week (1 FTE)
Benefits: Canada Life – Health, Dental, Vision, Drugs
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks’ Vacation, 3 weeks’ Sick, and 1 week Float, annualized.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a growing, mission-driven organization committed to creating positive change for vulnerable communities.
Help strengthen the Centre’s operational foundation and sustainability for the future.
Work in a dynamic and supportive environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the Centre’s sustainability and growth.
Engage in professional development opportunities and cross-departmental collaboration.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Gilbert Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived/living experience, Indigenous communities, 2S-LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with HIV/HCV, and members of racialized or equity-deserving groups. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants participating in all aspects of the selection process.
This role falls within the bargaining unit, CUPE Local 1813.14.
