Clinical Extern

RVH is seeking interested Nursing, Paramedic, Undergraduate Medical, Respiratory Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy students to join our Enhanced Extern Program. This is an exciting employment opportunity for these students to work in a clinical environment where they can develop and consolidate competencies to prepare to transition into a future registered role upon completion of their studies. Successful candidates will gain valuable patient care experience and build connections within interprofessional environment in a hospital setting. The Clinical Extern may be considered for career opportunities upon graduation and licensure.

The Clinical Extern is an unregulated healthcare provider who works as part of an interprofessional team, providing patient-centered care under the direct and/or indirect supervision of an identified Health Professional and reporting to professional practice leadership. The Clinical Extern practices in a manner that supports the organization's Strategic Plan and embodies the values of Team Up, Be Kind, Do Great Things, Inspire Trust, and Be Bold, while fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in this job description and recognizing the limitations of their ability to perform controlled acts as authorized by the applicable professional colleges.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

Must be enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Registered Nurse (RN) Students enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate nursing program - 2nd year of study
• Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Students enrolled in an accredited nursing program - 2nd semester of study
• Respiratory Therapy Students in their 2nd or 3rd year of study in a Diploma Program
• Paramedic Students who are in an approved Paramedic Program - 2nd year of study
• Occupational Therapy Students - 2nd year of study
• Physiotherapy Students - 2nd year of study
• Undergraduate Medical Students in the final year of a program; recent Canadian Medical Graduates awaiting start of residency

An official school transcript will be required if you are invited to be interviewed for this position

• Current certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Completion of any orientation and mandatory training during onboarding
• Continued evidence of good academic standing with enrolled program
• Evidence of successful learning experiences in recent clinical placements

Competencies:

• 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
• Demonstrates the competencies necessary to provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care reflective of their level of formal education, while embodying the organization's values of Team Up, Be Kind, Do Great Things, Inspire Trust, and Be Bold.
• 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
• Demonstrated commitment to the professional growth and development of self and others
• Demonstrated commitment to the concepts of Continuous Quality Improvement and Customer Service
• Ability to learn about, from and with other members of the patient care team to foster a strong interprofessional model of care

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Practice under the direct and/or indirect supervision of the Healthcare Professional (e.g. RN, RPN, Respiratory Therapist etc.) in a manner consistent with 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:

Patient Care Activities:

In consultation and collaboration with supervising healthcare professional:

• 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 and or clinical extern supervisor
• Falls Risk Assessment
• Pain Assessment
• Braden Scale Assessment
• CAM Assessment
• Other care activities as needed and appropriate for clinical area and patient population served

Clinical areas of rotation:

• Cardiac Renal Unit
• Cancer Palliative Unit
• Emergency Department
• Inpatient Medicine Units including; Integrated Stroke, Respiratory, Specialized Seniors Care, Transitional Care, MSSU & RVH Rotary.
• Obstetrics
• Paediatrics
• Surgical Inpatient Units including; Surgery 2 and Surgery 3
• Surgery Prep/PACU
• ICU

Hours of Work:

Temporary Part-Time position (4 x 8-hour shifts per two-week pay period), with rotating days, evenings & weekends as required.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that these positions are dependent on funding from the Ministry of Health Enhanced Extern Program initiative. Successful candidates must maintain enrollment in an eligible program to maintain employment.