Joan Neuman

After Hours scheduling of Home Care Aid assignments; Support and Supervision of agency in-home care providers; Direct Care of clients requiring RN support; Wound Care service for clients with injuries sustained in a Motor Vehicle Accidents

Provided Health Assessment and Disease Management support for Adult clients referred to me by a variety of Multidisciplinary Health Clinics in this Outpatient setting. Clients were often socially and economically disadvantaged. This role also involved reaching out to community agencies and government supports, on behalf of the client. Assistance, at times, included transportation and participation with clients in their appointments. I particularly enjoyed working with New Canadians and Refugees and their families. During the Care Collaborator Role, there were many opportunities to act as a client Advocate within and outside the Outpatient setting.

I provided Direct Patient Care for Critically Ill adults in a Medical ICU. Patients were usually unconscious and receiving mechanical respiratory support. It is a technically advanced role requiring knowledge and management of a range of life sustaining equipment. The written Physician's orders include a scope of medications and dosages that the nurse could autonomously choose and deliver based upon patient observation and clinical and laboratory signs.

This requires constant vigilance, critical thinking and excellent assessment skills.