Position Scope:

The Staff Nurse/Supervisor shares responsibility for the effective functioning of a client care team and provides leadership and supervision to team members in the provision of care and health services to clients of the Sunset Community. The Staff Nurse/Supervisor will practice under the psychosocial rehabilitation philosophy.
This position reports to Manager, Clinical Services

Job Responsibilities:

The principle responsibilities of the Staff Nurse/Supervisor are to:

1. provide effective and timely leadership to members of the assigned client care team;
2. ensure the comprehensive assessment of clients' needs, the accurate collection and analysis of data, and the appropriateness of client care goals and objectives for clients supported by the care team;
3. provide, and/or direct and monitor the provision of, appropriate nursing interventions;
4. monitor and evaluate the supportive care provided to each client and make appropriate and timely adjustments to care plans as warranted;
5. provide effective coordinating leadership in the delivery of in-house medical services including physician clinics, psychiatric consults, podiatry services, pharmaceutical services, routine diagnostic services and other medical services as assigned.
6. Other duties assigned by the Director, Client Services.

Minimum Education and Qualifications:

1. Must have current registration for the practice of nursing in Nova Scotia;
2. Current certificate at the standard level for First Aid and CPR is desirable or, must be willing to train and obtain this level.

Special knowledge and skills:

1. current or recent experience in mental health care is desirable;
2. must have good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal abilities;
3. must be prepared to use a computer and database system;
4. must be able to foster harmonious relationships with clients; clients' families; staff; volunteers; students; other departments; suppliers and members of the public;
5. critical thinking and excellent nursing assessment skills are a must;
6. demonstrated knowledge and application of current trends in evidenced based health care;
7. demonstrated ability to facilitate effective learning opportunities for staff and clients.

Judgement and Initiative required:

1. must display good judgement in the supervision of staff and solving problems;
2. must be able to initiate corrective action in the anticipation of problem situations.

Supervisory Skills:

Must be able to provide leadership and supervision for the work of the front line staff. Must be able to work with confidence during the off hours and in the absence of other managerial and administrative support staff.

Physical Demands:

Physical demands include: bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, assisting with lifting of clients and supplies, carrying loads up to 40 pounds and meeting the walking and standing needs that are required in this position.

Working Environment:

Well lighted, warm indoor environment. However, it may be necessary to work outside, even in inclement weather.

Unavoidable Hazards:

Clients' diagnosis and symptoms demand complete knowledge and applications of crisis intervention and non-aversive behavioural support.

Additional Information:

Must have empathy for persons with disabilities. Must be able to work cooperatively with all levels of staff from all departments. Must be able to foster and maintain harmonious relationships with outside organizations, groups and individuals. Honesty, integrity and willingness to accept and lead organizational change are essential.