Emergency Communications Nurse

Medavie•Saskatoon, SK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Medavie Health Services West (MHSW) is seeking an Emergency Communication Nurse to join their team. This role is responsible for promoting the Mission, Vision, and Values of MHSW by providing safe and timely medical triage for lower acuity patients. The Emergency Communication Nurse will work within the Medical Communications Coordination Center (MCCC) as part of an inter-professional team to triage, manage, and support caller access to health care services for non-emergent, non-life-threatening situations. The successful candidate will perform secondary telephone-based medical triage of lower acuity 911 EMS calls, conduct patient assessments, formulate referral plans, and assist patients in arranging appropriate care using evidence-based computer decision support software, clinical guidelines, protocols, and other resources. This role requires critical thinking, therapeutic communication, and clinical decision-making skills to assess, plan, implement, educate, and evaluate patients' health situations and informational needs. Medavie Health Services West is committed to equal opportunity and fostering an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

Graduate from an approved school of nursing with a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Must submit with resume a copy of a criminal record check, along with a vulnerable sector check (60 days old or less.)
Must submit with resume Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification Required.
Must submit with resume Proof of registration with the college of nurses.
Minimum two (2) years recent of nursing experience in acute care, which includes one (1) year of recent emergency nursing experience in the last five (5) years.
Current registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS).
Ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Communication Nurse System (ECNS) certifications required.
Promotes a strong inter-disciplinary team, by working in collaboration with other health care professionals.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to apply evidence-based decision making.
Strong assessment skills are required to determine callers’ needs.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are required to respond to client concerns and requests which are varied and often complex.
Well-developed written and verbal communications skills appropriate to the age and stage of the caller.
Cultural awareness is required.
Must have the ability to work independently in a customer service-oriented manner.
Other skills required include customer service, ability to multi-task, effective time management, conflict resolution, negotiation, organization, ability to work in a team environment, and interviewing, and counseling skills.
Must understand and be able to function in a call-center environment.
Must possess competent data collection skills and be able to work with a variety of electronic, information technology and manual resources.
Typing skills minimum 35 WPM.

Nice To Haves

Those with Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred.
Must submit with resume Current ACLS and PALS desirable – required to obtain within 1 year of start date.
Specialty training programs, such as Critical Care Nursing Advanced certificate considered an asset.
More than five (5) years overall nursing experience considered an asset.
Experience in program planning, implementation and evaluation is considered an asset.
Experience in pre-hospital assessments or patient triage/tele-triage an asset.
Completion of Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) or other trauma assessment course desired.

Responsibilities

Provide telephone-based clinical care advice, alternate care pathways, and service referrals to patients using nursing skills, clinical judgment, computer-based decision support software, appropriate evidence-based clinical guidelines, and other relevant databases/resources.
Use clinical experience and nursing judgment to evaluate and provide health care to the caller.
Communicate courteously and professionally with callers and patients.
Apply process using in-depth clinical knowledge to identify patient care needs, risks and safety issues, educational opportunities, and appropriate health care referrals.
Promote the use of alternative care pathways to operational staff as required.
Document clinical and other relevant notes within the computer software program in a timely manner throughout and immediately during and after a call.
Problem-solve and consult with team members (MCCC and MIH) and virtual physician as required.
Communicate and liaise with external departments and agencies regarding patient referral, accessing appropriate care and treatment through a network of treatment resources.
Comply with all program’s specific metrics, participate in the evaluation and or measurement of these metrics and play an active role in improving personal, team and program performance.
Assist patients in arranging appropriate medical care appointments.
Be familiar with and have regular communication with the community resources available to be able to refer patients to.
Coordinate patient transport by means of non-EMS modalities if required.
Participate in all necessary training and quality assurance reviews.
Ensure quality of health care by monitoring safe practice and being a client advocate for system inefficiencies.
Conduct self in a safe and responsible manner as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Display a calm, articulate, polite and concise manner when call taking.
Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action.
Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols pertaining to the duties of the Communication Centre.
Document all errors, unusual requests and situations when protocols are not followed.
Develop new protocols as needed and willing to participate/lead program development with community partners.
Attend/participate in required Con Ed.
Perform other related duties as may be assigned.