Clinical Extern

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Extern are unregulated healthcare providers who will be working as part of interprofessional team and provide patient-centered care under the direct and/or indirect supervision of an identified Health Professional and who reports to the unit manager. The Clinical Extern will practice in a manner consistent with the organizational Mission, Vision, and Values in alignment with the outlined job description, while considering the limitations in their ability to perform controlled acts as authorized by the professional colleges. The Clinical Externs will be hired on a contract part-time basis and the hours of work will be determined based on individual availability and unit needs which will include day/evening/night and weekend shifts. The Mood Disorders Program employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, vocational rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and research staff who assess and treat individuals with Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, unipolar depression and Bipolar and Related Disorders bipolar disorder. The Program integrates optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the person. A 24-bed inpatient unit provides clinical care and treatment and prepares patients for their return to the community. The inpatient program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well supporting recovery and rehabilitation. Along with pharmacotherapy, several group therapies are offered including stress management, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and activities of daily living (ADL). Extensive education and support is provided to patients and their families. In addition to pharmacotherapy, patients have access to several therapeutic groups, including skills and strategies, emotion regulation, art therapy, and activities of daily living (ADL). Extensive education and ongoing support are also provided to patients and their families.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in the following programs: Registered Nurse (RN) Students enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program OR Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Students enrolled in their final year of study with an accredited nursing program OR Undergraduate Medical Students in the final year of a program; recent Canadian Medical Graduates awaiting start of residency OR Respiratory Therapy Students in their 2nd or 3rd year of study in a Diploma Program OR Paramedic Students who are in an approved Paramedic Program; 2nd year of study Occupational Therapy Students OR Physiotherapy Students
Current certificate in BLS
Completion of any orientation and mandatory training provided by SJHH
Demonstrated IPAC practices
Evidence of good academic standing with enrolled program
Evidence of successful learning experiences in recent clinical placements
Ability to communicate in a confidential, professional, diplomatic and friendly manner when interacting with patients, families, staff, physicians, students and volunteers
Ability to work as a member of a team and request guidance and consultation
Acquired competencies to provide safe, high quality and compassionate care reflective of level of formal education and in accordance with organizational Mission and Vision
Demonstrated critical thinking skills including clinical judgment, problem solving, and evaluation skills reflective of level of formal education
Demonstrated attitude and behavior that conveys respect and dignity of all persons
Demonstrated excellent organizational and time-management skills
Excellent attendance record

Responsibilities

Practice under the direct and/or indirect supervision of the Healthcare Professional (eg. RN, RPN, Respiratory Therapist etc) in a manner consistent with SJHH’s Mission, Vision, policies and procedures and in accordance with the CNO Practice Guideline for Working with Unregulated Care Providers
Carry out or assist with activities of daily living with the goal of supporting and optimizing patient independence and functioning. These activities may include both patient care activities and non-patient care activities as follows:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (e.g. feeding, toileting, bathing, dressing, etc.)
Mobility Assistance (lifting, turning, positioning, transfer, ambulation, etc.)
Provision of measures to ensure skin integrity
Answering call bells
Taking patients’ Vital Signs, height and weight
Assistance with comfort measures and involvement in comfort rounds
Contribution to care planning and implementation of existing care plan interventions under direction of the nurse
Activation, companionship, and social engagement
Reporting changes in patient status or safety concerns to a supervising nurse
Falls Risk Assessment
Pain Assessment
Braden Scale Assessment
CAM Assessment
Other care activities as needed and appropriate for clinical area and patient population served
Documenting care provided and notify supervising healthcare professional of findings
Clinical Externs in their final year or semester of study, upon successful completion of the Clinical Extern Competency Test and educational orientation, may accept delegation of following acts: Point of Care Testing (POCT) Glucose