Registered Practical Nurse/Navigator

# Summary 

# About the organization 

 The Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) is a non-profit, registered charity that has been providing comprehensive, community-based health services since 2008. Established in 2007 and governed by a Community Board of Directors of twelve dedicated local residents, CHCN reflects the diverse strengths, experiences, and perspectives of Northumberland County.

CHCN’s interdisciplinary team of approximately 65 staff includes primary care providers, allied health professionals, dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, community health workers, and social workers. Together, they deliver care through an integrated model of health and wellbeing that recognizes the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health.

# About the position 

 Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Manager of Specialized Programs, the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)/Navigator supports the Rural Outreach Clinic (ROC) in providing accessible, patient-centered care services to rural and underserved populations.

Working collaboratively with the Primary Care Providers, and interdisciplinary team, the RPN supports clinical care within scope, patient attachment, chronic disease management, navigation, outreach activities, and transitions to ongoing care. 

This role is integral to improving attachment, access, continuity, and equitable care delivery within the Rural Outreach Clinic model. 

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care:

• Provide safe, competent nursing care within the Registered Practical Nurse scope of practice and College of Nurses of Ontario standards.
• Conduct intake assessments, vital signs, health histories, screening questionnaires, and follow-up care.
• Assist with chronic disease management including diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and cardiovascular monitoring.
• Administer injections, immunizations, wound care, point-of-care testing, and medication reconciliation as appropriate.
• Support cervical screening, women’s health services, and preventative care clinics where trained and delegated.
• Support infants, children, and family wellness including immunization and well-baby visits.

Navigation & Attachment Support:

• Assist unattached patients in connecting to ongoing primary care providers through CHCN attachment pathways.
• Support intake, triage, and navigation for patients with complex health or social needs.
• Coordinate referrals, appointments, diagnostics, and specialist follow-up.
• Identify barriers to care including transportation, mobility, housing, income, language, or digital access challenges.
• Connect patients with internal and community support including mental health, diabetes education, seniors’ services, and social prescribing resources.

Outreach & Community Support

• Participate in planning outreach clinics, mobile services, and community-based programming as operationally required
• Attend community events with the Primary Care Provider or care team when appropriate
• Build relationships with local community partners to improve rural access and continuity of care 
• Support patients in rural communities through flexible service delivery approaches.

Operations & Teamwork

• Support clinic flow, room readiness, scheduling coordination, inventory, and supply management
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation, and workflow development
• Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team environment
• Support a respectful, patient-centered, and team-focused culture
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic medical record documentation.
• Support a respectful, patient-centre, and team-focused culture.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Treat all individuals with respect and value, contributing to a positive, respectful, and safe workplace
• Incorporate critical thinking practice and a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, decision-making, and service delivery 
• Work in a manner that respects privacy and preserves confidentiality following all relevant policies. 
• Promote safety and seek to minimize risks to patients, staff, community partners, visitors, and CHCN property and reputation. 
• Collect and report statistical (quantitative and qualitative) information as required
• Incorporate and contribute to the Centre’s efforts for service in excellence and continuous quality improvement by identifying, implementing, and evaluating standards, policies, and practices to support best practices. 
• Participate as a team member in staff functions: program planning, team and inter-team meetings, all staff meetings and team building
• Adhere to all CHCN infection prevention and control policies, including screening protocols, enhanced infection prevention procedures, and use of personal protective equipment as required.
• Accept responsibility for assigned duties, meet established timelines, and seek clarification or support when workload or priorities are unclear. 
• Works in a manner that seeks to minimize risk to clients, self, the Centre and to staff.  Committed to safety, works in a manner that demonstrates responsibility for following the Centre’s safe work practices and works in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Takes responsibility for and is expected to report and unsafe/at risk conditions as well as be accountable for their correction
• Communicates in a timely and positive manner with the Manager of Specialized Programs regarding job content, specific objectives and personal performance
• Identifies performance goals, objectives, and learning needs.  Identifies concerns in a timely manner and, in collaboration with the Manager of Specialized Programs, seeks resolution
• Participates in team-based care planning and clinic operations
• Contributes to the evolution of an NP-led rural access and attachment model
• Incorporates and contributes to the Centre’s efforts for continuous quality improvement by identifying, implementing and evaluating policies and practices to support best practice 
• Participates as a team member in all staff functions: program planning, team and inter-team meetings, all staff meetings and team building.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Client-centre care
• Collaboration
• Initiative and adaptability
• Equity-focused practice
• Time management
• Professional accountability
• Communication excellence
• Critical thinking

# Qualifications

•  Current registration is in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse.

• Minimum two (2) years nursing experience in primary care, family practice, community health, or related setting preferred.
• Experience supporting vulnerable, unattached, rural, or medically complex populations is considered an asset.
• Strong clinical assessment and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate care and navigate community resources.
• Experience with EMR systems; PSS experience considered an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable transportation required.