Nurse Practitioner, BC Cancer Agency

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients and clients including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions. The Nurse Practitioner initiates treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions, and employer policies and procedures. Nurse Practitioners provide professional guidance to other health professionals and participate autonomously as members as the interdisciplinary health teams making referrals to specialist physicians as appropriate.

Nurse Practitioners collaborate with clients and other health professionals to identify and assess trends and patterns that have implications for clients, families and communities; develop and implement population and evidence based strategies to improve health and participate in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices. As professionals, they participate in peer review and self review to evaluate the outcome of their services at the client, community and population level. They are responsible for their professional development and maintaining competence and registration as a nurse practitioner.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Diagnoses and treats previously undiagnosed clients for undifferentiated diseases, illnesses and conditions within the Nurse Practitioner’s scope of practice; orders appropriate screening diagnostic investigations; interprets reports of investigations and analyzes information to monitor progress and plan treatment. As part of the multidisciplinary team, develops and implements treatment plans. Writes orders for treatment and medications; makes patient rounds as appropriate and monitors ongoing care; provides first line care in emergencies.
• Establishes priorities for management of health conditions; provides follow-up treatment; communicates with clients and families about health findings, diagnoses and prognoses; supports and counsels clients in their personal responses to diseases, disorders and conditions.
• Collaborates and/or consults with physicians or other health care and social service providers as appropriate to assess and diagnose client status. Accepts referrals from, or makes referrals to, physicians and other health professionals.
• Prescribes drugs within the statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions for Nurse Practitioners and within applicable employer policies and procedures. Applies knowledge of pharmacology and evidence based practice in selecting, prescribing, administering and monitoring the effects of drugs to treat diseases disorders, conditions or injuries.
• Participates in research contributing to improved patient care and advances in nursing, health policy development and population health. Synthesizes qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources about determinants of health; maintains population health focus by participating in and implementing evidence based screening and health promotion for populations at risk and implements population based harm reduction strategies.
• Participates in interdisciplinary staff, including NP & nursing, education and professional development through case presentations, mentoring, role modeling and facilitating the exchange of knowledge in the classroom, the clinical setting and the community; fosters effective health care partnerships.
• Develops, implements and evaluates policies and procedures related to nursing and interdisciplinary practice, and identifies and responds appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient care.
• Assigns work to other nursing and health care personnel; hires staff, provides supervision and evaluates staff performance if required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Current registration as a Nurse Practitioner with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP). Must be eligible to complete the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) through the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP). Minimum of (4) years of recent, relevant clinical nursing experience.

Ability to perform the full scope of Nurse Practitioner duties and responsibilities. Able to define and articulate the specific areas of practice and client population for whom the NP is competent to provide health care services. Able to self-direct, interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations. Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self care and prognosis. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with nurses and other health professionals and disciplines using a variety of communication strategies. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead a team and work within a team. Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge, teach coach and mentor others; ability to implement and evaluate planned change. Able to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices; ability to introduce education and evidence based research into practice areas. Skill in assessing and recognizing population health trends; able to plan and implement strategies for population based prevention and health promotion. Able to supervise others and evaluate the care they deliver as required.