Nurse Practitioner

At Ottawa Inner City Health, we do health care differently. It’s part of who we are. We are a nurse-led, trauma-informed organization working on the front lines of homelessness and mental health. We work in the margins- the grey area- with clients experiencing complex trauma, mental illness, and substance use challenges. Our approach is hands-on, harm reduction focused, relationship-driven, and rooted in human dignity.

We are currently seeking 1 Full Time Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about equitable health care and ready to join a team that’s not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty. 

Role:

The role of the Nurse Practitioner is to provide Primary Health Care to homeless individuals living on the streets or in encampments or throughout Downtown Ottawa's shelter services. Care is primarily provided in Clinic at the Dymon Health Clinic (55 Daly Avenue) and through street outreach. 

Responsibilities:

• Provides consultative healthcare through medical assessments, examinations and provision of: diagnoses, treatment, follow-up, and health education. The NP also assists the Director of Clinical Care and the Medical Director in developing specific healthcare policies, procedures and/or care programs.
• Obtains patient histories and generates patient care charts, ensuring completeness and accuracy of documentation.
• Supports the work of the OICH Nurse Coordinators through consultation and/or collaborative care.
• Provides weekday team-based, outreach clinical care in collaboration with partner outreach services.
• Provides health education, as needed, to front line workers within their area of expertise.
• Supports the efforts of other OICH Staff, and other community support personnel to provide clinical care to the patient.
• Practices safety, environmental, and / or infection control methods.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned (i.e. vaccination clinics, etc.).
• Provides learning experiences for health care students.
• Participates in research and evaluation as appropriate.
• Collects data and reports to City of Ottawa Public Health Department.
• Utilizes the EMR and other records system in accordance PHIPA and the operational and evaluation policies and procedures of the Ottawa Inner City Health Inc.
• Operates within a harm reduction modality but supports the provision of care which does not jeopardize the safety of clients, staff or other participants in the program.
• Alerts senior managers (the OICH Management and Partner / Shelter Managers) of issues of concern especially those which impact on liability, staff or client safety.

Qualifications:

• Possess a current Registered Nurse (EC), Certificate of Competence with College of Nurses Ontario (CNO).
• Meets the standards of practice of the CNO.
• 2-5 years’ experience in working with the homeless or other vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of OICH clinical operations, procedures and policies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment in their area of expertise.
• A minimum of three years recent experience in nursing role. 
• Demonstrated competence in clinical nursing practice related to the care of adult homeless or vulnerably housed persons.
• Demonstrated ability to work with other care professionals in care delivery.
• Understand how to apply harm reduction strategies in the clinical setting.
• Provide care effectively in situations of profound loss and suffering and with individuals who choose to live at risk.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English, French is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically.
• Well-developed skills in setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and trust with people in crisis.
• Understand how to apply harm reduction strategies in the clinical setting.
• Familiarity and comfort with computer software such as EMR, email, word documents and spreadsheets. 
• Have up to date vaccinations.
• Current CPR/AED certification.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check.

Hours of work:

The Nurse Practitioner will be scheduled for a 7.5-hour shift based on the operational needs, typically Monday – Friday between 8:00 am-4:00 pm.