Licensed Practical Nurse - WDM

Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI)•Calgary, AB

20h•Onsite

About The Position

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives. We are more than an emergency shelter. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports. All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open. Reporting to the Supervisor, Recovery Oriented System of Care, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works in Withdrawal Management and Recovery Transition programs to support clients in various stages of their recovery. The Withdrawal Management program provides medical and social support(s) to clients experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms while the Recovery Transition program provides temporary housing and supports to individuals who are no longer in an acute withdrawal phase and are working towards stabilization and other recovery-oriented goals. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) utilizes skills and knowledge to provide care for our clients in the acute stages of detox within our Recovery Oriented System of Care programs. This role is a part of the integrated Health & Recovery Services team and is expected to provide medical care within our Withdrawal Management program, but also assist where possible within the Recovery Transition program (a non-medicalized recovery-oriented inpatient program that coexists with the Withdrawal Management program). The Licensed Practical Nurse may perform tasks related to emergency response, applying various standardized assessment tools, medication assistance, symptom management, wound care, documentation, health promotion, referrals to internal and external resources, mental health and crisis intervention, and other tasks, as assigned by a Team Lead. The Withdrawal Management LPN is not expected to provide daily medical care to clients admitted to the Recovery Transitions program however is expected to assess and potentially treat (or refer to acute care services) and urgent or emergent medical concerns for any client within the DI, including clients admitted to the Recovery Transition program. In some extreme cases, the Withdrawal Management LPN may be called upon to provide nursing care to clients within the Urban Response programs – advance notice of this change in duties will be provided by Leadership, where possible.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited two-year Practical Nursing diploma. Proof of completion required.
Registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Proof of registration, in good standing with no restrictions or conditions, required.
Valid Professional Liability Insurance. Proof of coverage required.
Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
Current CPR – BLS. Proof of certification required.
1-2 years nursing experience is an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field, and/or the homeless servicing system of care.
Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or more years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
Experience in acute care, Advance Wound Care certification, and/or mental health experience are all considered assets but not mandatory.
Have at minimum a working understanding of Trauma Informed Care.
Strong knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of addiction, homelessness, mental health and acute medical concerns, and able to maintain active learning on emerging evidence and best practices.
Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and social support systems.
Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time.
Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs, and processes.
Excellent communications skills, both oral and written.
Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, database, and Internet.
A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years nursing experience is an asset, preferably within the addictions and mental health field, and/or the homeless servicing system of care.
Lived experience an asset but not a requirement. We ask that those with lived experience are two or more years in their recovery, less may be considered if ALL other aspects are met.
Experience in acute care, Advance Wound Care certification, and/or mental health experience are all considered assets but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Perform delegated independent nursing functions within the scope of practice as determined by CLPNA and the DI within the individual LPN competence level, as observed by the Team Lead(s) and/or other Health & Recovery Services Leadership team.
Assist with other frontline staff duties when time allows.
Consistently demonstrate the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision.
Be informed of APL routines and maintain standards and knowledge around phlebotomy and lab services.
Participates in formal and informal health teaching including preventative health concepts concerning Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV, condom usage, nutrition, STBBI’s, basic sanitation, personal hygiene, post-op, and pre-natal care.
Participate in influenza, other vaccination, and/or other specialist medical clinics from time to time.
Maintains and ensures best practices around the handling of vaccines, participates in the maintenance of immunization procedures and administration of vaccines, medications, and other treatments necessary to provide client care.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (SDS, OH&S, WHMIS).
Organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete assignments within established time frames.
Provide culturally aware support to DI clients, celebrating the diversity of clients and being aware of power dynamics of privilege and oppression that may be present.
Ensure all required data is entered accurately into organizational databases including the DI Guestbook Database, and client Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and referrals provided in accordance to DI policy and professional nursing standards.
Develop and maintain collaborative and accountable working relations with internal DI colleagues to strengthen communication flow and cross-program understanding.
Provide caring, reliable, trauma-informed care to all patients & clients accessing the DI to reduce barriers to service and increase community trust.
Conduct assessments, initiatives, and implement health management strategies; provide appropriate evaluation, follow-up, and modifications to care plans according to practice protocols; assist with the delivery of disease management and health promotion; implement strategies for improving the quality and provision of care.
Coordinate services with other team members and community resources according to policies, procedures, and established standards.
Perform other related tasks that are approved by the designated Team Lead, Manager, and the Directors of the DI.