RPN - Specialty Care Pediatrics

Group Health Centre•Sault Ste. Marie, ON

5d•CA$29 - CA$31•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialty Care RPN – Pediatrics is responsible for providing nursing assessment, treatment, and patient education to infants, children, and adolescents referred for consultation and care. Working collaboratively with a pediatrician, the RPN supports families by providing education, answering questions, and addressing concerns related to their child’s health and development. The RPN independently conducts medication reviews and basic mental health screenings, discusses findings with providers, and assists with developmental and mental health intakes as required. Responsibilities also include selecting, administering, and scoring standardized mental health, developmental, and milestone screening tools, and coordinating care with local agencies and schools. As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, the pediatric RPN supports child and youth mental health referrals within the Pediatric Department and assists in the management of both acute and chronic pediatric medical conditions.

Requirements

Registered Practical Nurse with a valid Certificate of Registration with The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in good standing
Current CPR certification and AED competency
Excellent physical assessment skills regarding infants, children and adolescents
Experience and comfort in caring for pediatric patients with acute, chronic, and mental health conditions
Demonstrated ability to engage pediatric patients and their families/caregivers using a collaborative, family-centred approach that builds relationships and trust
Demonstrated patient teaching skills for children, adolescents, and their families/caregivers, including health promotion and disease prevention strategies
Knowledge of normal growth and development, developmental milestones, and early identification of developmental delays
Experience administering and scoring standardized developmental and mental health screening tools
Knowledge of pediatric medication administration, weight-based dosing principles, and immunization schedules
Knowledge and familiarity with ECGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests.
Strong understanding of infection prevention and control practices in a pediatric outpatient setting
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Excellent critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, with the ability to respond effectively in urgent situations
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within an interdisciplinary team
Proven ability to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with professional and organizational standards
Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced clinical environment
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Demonstrated commitment to living the values of GHC

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, patient-centred care, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for all patients.
Assess patients’ symptoms and medical history, identifying urgent concerns and escalating to the Physician when necessary.
Communicate effectively with patients regarding their health concerns, care plans, follow-up steps, and the scheduling of future appointments, tests, and procedures.
Perform initial patient assessments including vital signs, and document the reason for the visit, allergies, medications, and medical history in the EMR.
Assist in performing age-appropriate physical, developmental, and psychosocial assessments.
Recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns in accordance with reporting requirements.
Support anticipatory guidance discussions with families (growth, nutrition, sleep, behavior, school readiness).
Provide health education and counselling, offering support for disease prevention and patient health management.
Assist in patient assessments, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Administer medications, vaccines, and other treatments via injection or other routes as directed by the provider.
Collect and prepare samples for laboratory tests while following strict infection control protocols.
Assist in office procedures.
Ensure all necessary materials are prepared and assist during exams and medical procedures.
Perform point-of-care testing as required.
Maintain accurate patient records in the electronic health record (EMR), documenting assessments, interventions, and care plans in a timely manner.
Document developmental screening results, mental health screening scores, and follow-up plans clearly and accurately.
Monitor and prioritize patient communications through the EMR, ensuring follow-up on urgent messages and inquiries.
Ensure proper documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.
Process prescription renewal requests promptly, ensuring accuracy and compliance with medical protocols.
Track and follow up on referrals to mental health services, community programs, and allied health providers.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure clear communication and documentation regarding patient referrals, requisitions, and follow-up actions.
Assist with office operations, including scheduling appointments, managing patient flow, and ensuring efficient office processes.
Help manage referrals and requisitions, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to specialists or service providers.
Liaise with schools, community agencies, and allied health providers as part of coordinated care planning.
Maintain organized patient records, ensuring proper filing of documents, reports, and forms.
Follow strict infection control procedures to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Ensure that exam rooms and equipment are sanitized and ready for patient use.
Assist with the maintenance of safety protocols, including checking sharps containers, immunization fridge, and other safety-related tasks.
Work collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate patient care and ensure continuity of care.
Participate in team meetings and patient care discussions, contributing to improving patient care and office processes.
Provide support to other areas of the department as needed, including assisting with patient documentation, processing referrals, and managing office flow.