[Sharon]

Explain how you would normally describe your role as a nurse and post to the online discussion forum.

[Samantha]

In my current role as a Manager in LTC I would describe my role as one that provides support, leads and sets the example for professional behavior, knowledge and critical thinking. As part of the care team, I want to fully engage with nurses to understand their challenges, questions and opportunities for improvement, not only for the best resident outcomes but also for the staff to feel fulfilled and satisfied with their work. When scope is better understood, there can be a much better appreciation for individuals on the care team.

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[Marion Catherine]

Hi Samantha, After reading your and Melanie’s responses, I realize that my limited experience keeps me focused on the basics of meeting the care needs of each resident/patient. Yes, I do work within a team and that cohesion and reliability between the team members is something I am constantly aware of and promoting. I am also cognizant of the reality that new nurses come in with gold standard ideals taught in school but that standard pales in the actual work site. It is my intent to keep polishing that gold standard because applying research into practice is vital if the Health Care System is going to succeed in meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s clients.

[Melanie]

My current role as a Nurse Case Manager is patient support based. I am the primary point of contact for physicians, nurses and patients. I coordinate and manage all aspects required in order to obtain prescription drug coverage for patients and assist a patient in their journey on treatment. I coordinate clinic appointments and drug deliveries within timelines. I proactively offer counseling, advocacy and assistance for patients. I also complete adherence checks and report any adverse events.

[Marion Catherine]

It is fascinating to watch how my practice evolves as I adhere to the leadership/followership dynamic because I catch myself reaching beyond the status quo. This is a double-edged sword where on the one hand my overreach impedes progress, and on the other hand, a steadfast commitment to learn and grow is fed.
The result from the activity that I can share is Question 3 Are RPNs allowed to function to their full scope of practice in organizations? The comment I noted alongside Q.3 response says, “ Stepping into the fullness of the role I play as an RPN – applying the leadership/followership dynamic – one has to be cautious of overstepping”. Consequently, the next action taken would depend on which dynamic I am playing out: learning and growing or getting in the way. Then, an “it depends” answer would fall into the organizational structure of how to follow so that the client’s best interests and needs are addressed.

[Alexandra]

How I would describe my role as an RPN working for a doctors office in a small town is very wide variety of tasks and patients of all ages. I will do diabetic visits with patients on certain days, I also run the Prenatal care in the office weekly seeing all of the communities pregnant patients, I will conduct 18 month well baby visits, I will work in our treatment room where tasks such as vaccinations/wound care/suture and staple removal/ear syringing/UTI treatment/strep throat treatments all are seen in that space, in the Fall I run the flu vaccine clinics, I also will do direct work with the doctors to bring patients into the rooms and take vitals for the doctors and assist in minor procedures as needed. I really enjoy my role at my office as it is always changing and I feel I can utilise many of my skills daily and enjoy learning and growing in my role.

[Teresa]

This is great, Alexandra! You are doing great, and very much needed, work! I am an NP in a rural clinic that relies heavily on our RPN. I wish we had more RPNs! Our RPNs do the same thing you do – diabetes clinics, prenatal visits and well-baby exams, vaccinations, wound care, ear flushing, flu shot clinics. Our RPN also runs a foot care clinic. I know our RPN enjoys both the variety and busy-ness of the clinic. The NP is always available, if not in person, then by phone or text, if needed.

[Melanie]

Hi Alexandra, it’s great to see you are able to have so much variety in your role. Diabetes education, prenatal care, vaccines, ear syringing. Lots of hands on and use of skills. It surely will help in growing your role especially if you are the only nurse in the clinic.
In the years I worked for an Ob/Gyn clinic, I was also the only nurse, his practice did not have any RN’s, just myself and the Receptionist. I learned a lot and was given many opportunities to do prenatal and postnatal care and education. Doctor’s offices are a great place to work and learn!

[Adella]

I am an RPN working in Public Health. My role slides in to a few different program areas to support IPAC internally as well as externally. I also aid in surge capacity when needed in infectious disease management. We have one RPN and one RN doing this role and we perform our duties equally.

We work with GBPH staff and Public Health Managers in IPAC. We support and assist staff with the management and control of declared outbreaks, communicable disease surveillance, investigation and case management, IPAC lapse investigation and management, assist Public Health Managers in the delivery of programs and policy development and assist with the implementation and delivery of MOHLTC public health standards and protocols related to infectious diseases and infection prevention and control.
Additionally, we deliver programs and services under the IPAC Hub as outlined by the
Ministry of Health funded IPAC Hub initiative. We assist IPAC Hub in
congregate living organizations (Long-term Care, Retirement Homes, and other congregate living
organizations including but not limited to shelters and group homes). We provide consultative advice in infection control to congregate living facilities in order to build capacity, provide support in the implementation of IPAC tools, best practices and resource materials; provide timely, accurate and relevant guidance and advice based on current evidence and best practices, including making
recommendations on practical measures or alternative solutions; and act as the content expert for an assigned practice area or topic on projects and provides overall expertise in infection prevention and control for the dissemination and implementation of IPAC initiatives.

[Rebecca]

As manager of a primary care clinic I try to lead and support the nurses on our team by creating an environment where they are able to practice safely and confidently while aligning their work with patient and organizational needs. My role is to provide clarity, guidance, and foster a collaborative team culture so we can discuss and implement quality improvement strategies in order to provide great patient care.

[Sadie]

I am a project manager at an Ontario Health Team, where I lead and support projects focused on creating a healthier, more connected, and more equitable local health care system. Although it is not a traditional nursing role, I still see myself as a practicing nurse. My work has an impact on the care people receive and on the health care system. I use my nursing knowledge, skill, and judgement to inform my work.

[Author]

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