Clinical Nurse Advisor, Medication Distribution and Administration

Detailed Overview Reporting to the Director, Clinical Operations or designate and in collaboration with the Director, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, develops and implements a medication distribution and administration (MDA) orientation and training program for clinical staff; evaluates effectiveness of the program to ensure clinical objectives are met and resources are current, relevant and cost effective; delivers educational/training on MDA to staff by teaching, facilitating groups, mentoring and conducting formal presentations, demonstrations and lectures; develops MDA policies, procedures and clinical nursing guidelines and monitors adherence to practice standards and facilitates development of "best practice" delivery models; participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for MDA including research and special projects. Responsibilities Develops and implements an MDA orientation and training program for clinical staff by responding to requests, completing learning needs assessments of individuals and/or clinical area and determining training requirements; revises program on the basis of pre-identified learning needs, patient outcomes, standards of practice, introduction of new skills/procedures and current theory/research; evaluates the effectiveness of program to ensure objectives are met and resources are current, relevant and cost effective. Delivers education/training on MDA to staff by teaching, facilitating groups, mentoring and conducting formal presentations and demonstrations; arranges sessions in collaboration with staff to determine time, frequency and duration to ensure effective/efficient use of resources; maintains records and schedules staff into sessions, as appropriate. Develops MDA policies, procedures and clinical nursing guidelines; monitors adherence to practice standards and facilitates development of "best practice" delivery models. Provides clinical leadership in evidence-based practice to staff by reviewing literature, consulting with experts, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, evaluating clinical practice and recommending changes to existing standards to the Director, Clinical Operations or designate and the Director, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services. Monitors all non-pharmacy users in the MDA system, including students and other non-nursing disciplines such as Respiratory Therapy and Anesthesia; conducts user audits as required and maintains all security forms. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for MDA by evaluating effect of changes in nursing practice, generating recommendations for alternative approaches to nursing practice, conducting safety audits and taking corrective action; recommends changes to selected policies, procedures and protocols and provides feedback to the Director or designate. Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of a variety of practice issues by encouraging staff to communicate in a confidential/professional manner and ensuring relevant information is documented accordingly; identifies available resources to assist in the management and/or coordination of these issues and makes recommendations for alternative approaches and/or solutions. Participates in research and special projects by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, promoting staff awareness and involvement in research activities, identifying practices/issues that require research, collecting and interpreting data and providing input for further analysis, as required. Participates on designated local and regional program and professional committees by attending meetings, providing input, facilitating the resolution of issues and advocating the goals and objectives of MDA. Assists the Director, Clinical Operations or designate with determining the optimal use of budgetary resources by providing input and making recommendations, as requested. Sets measurable performance goals and objectives by maintaining and updating own knowledge of clinical professional development within area of practice; develops plans in collaboration with the Director, Clinical Operations or designate for professional development and ensuring the goals and objective plans are achievable. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Three years' recent, related clinical experience in the designated clinical area, including one year experience in a clinical teaching or leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Comprehensive knowledge of Nursing Theory and evidence based practice. Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in health care. Knowledge of research processes and methodology. Demonstrated ability to teach and facilitate learning of staff. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, design and revise training program. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work direction in a coaching/mentoring role. Demonstrated ability to role model. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and effectively deal with conflict situations. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment. Demonstrated ability to deal with and promote change. Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with co-workers, other health care staff, physicians and external staff. Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.