BLUE CARE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Blue Care is one of Australia’s leading providers of residential aged and community care, and retirement
living. Supporting people to remain as independent as possible is our passion. Our network of 260
centres across Queensland and northern New South Wales supports the care choices of older people,
people with a disability and others in need. We are a not-for-profit organisation and part of UnitingCare
Queensland, the health and community service provider of the Uniting Church.

POSITION DETAILS:
Position Title: Registered Nurse (Residential)
Employment Status: Casual
Reports to: Clinical Nurses
Reporting to this position: Endorsed Enrolled Nurses, Personal Carers, AINs
Position Purpose:
To provide leadership, support and guidance to other care staff in the provision of quality care based on
assessed residents’ needs that enhances and promotes quality of life, ensuring that care is consistent
with the mission of Blue Care and current best practice.

Position Context:
Not applicable

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Essential:
 Current Registered Nurse Licence and Registration Certificate to practice in the State where
employed.
 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification.
 All Blue Care staff must satisfy the relevant probity checks required by legislation or Blue Care
policies.

Desirable:
 Broad general nursing experience and demonstrated skills reflective of clinical experience.
 Ability to liaise with the care team and to provide co-ordinated care.
 Demonstrated understanding of resident centred, residential based care services delivery.,
 Demonstrated effective interpersonal and written communication skills, including basic computer
skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
 Knowledge of continuous quality improvement practices.
 Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
 Current First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or willingness to
obtain if required.
 Relevant vaccinations in line with Blue Care staff vaccination policy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 Promote a consultative and collaborative approach to resident care planning including participation
by the client and/or the client’s representative.
 Ensure resident care is assessed, planned and implemented, and progress is evaluated in
accordance with the Blue Care model of care and takes into consideration each resident’s physical,
social, emotional, spiritual and clinical needs.
 Develop, implement, monitor and review care plans to meet residents’ health care needs and to
promote quality of life.
 Ensure reported changes or concerns in client conditions are acted upon appropriately.
 Provide nursing care within the scope of clinical practice.
 Monitor and delegate personal care given by other staff in accordance with scope of practice in the
Blue Care Medication Manual.
 Assist residents to participate in programs and recreational related activities.
 Safely transport individuals on an as required basis, as approved.
 Assist with orientation of new staff as required.
Registered Nurse (Residential)
Position Approved by: Director Residential Services
Date last reviewed: Version 1, February 2012
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 Assist in research relevant to clinical matters.
 Assist in ensuring the service meets all accreditation standards.
 Report all complaints to the Service Manager.
 Undertake other duties as required/directed as service needs change or grow (consistent with the
above, within the scope of the position and any applicable Duties List and any other legal or
industrial obligations).

KEY CAPABILITIES
All Blue Care employees are also expected to demonstrate the following capabilities to a level
commensurate with their position.

Leadership, Teamwork and Communication

 Model interpersonal and professional behaviours consistent with Blue Care Values and Code of
Conduct.
 Contribute to service planning in line with Blue Care Strategic Directions.
 Work within the philosophy and framework of the Uniting Church.
 Act and communicate in a responsive, respectful and professional manner at all times when dealing
with Blue Care staff or external parties and facilitate collaborative working relationships.
 Develop and maintain networking relationships with relevant Blue Care teams and staff to remain
abreast of all legislation, regulations, codes and standards applicable to service delivery.
 Maintain confidentiality on all issues related to Blue Care, clients and colleagues.

Organisational Sustainability
 Monitor and work to, agreed service delivery and/or budget and/or staffing targets.
 Prepare records and reports, as required in accordance with Blue Care policies and procedures .
 Ensure the responsible use of resources and effective and efficient disposal of waste.
 Share any opportunities identified by the team for innovative or improved service delivery with the
relevant manager or coordinator.

Professional Development
 Ensure performance and ongoing professional development for the service team is consistent with
Blue Care policies and processes.
 Provide support, advice and issues resolution for the team to achieve optimal outcomes.
 Effectively monitor team members’ performance as required.
 Actively participate in professional and performance development processes to meet own career
and industry needs.
 Foster methods to strengthen links between Blue Care and the community, and between Blue Care
services

Continuous Quality Improvement and Compliance

 Continuous Improvement -Ensure quality services are delivered through:
o continuous quality improvement systems;
o adherence to relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards; and
o adherence to Blue Care organisational policies, procedures, administrative and
documentation requirements.
 Work Health and Safety - Ensure your own safety and the health and safety of others
 Maintain a safe and healthy workplace and work practices through supervision and ensuring staff
have the necessary information to perform work safely.
 Model Towards ZEROharm behaviours by implementing Blue Care Workplace Health, Safety and
Rehabilitation policies, guidelines and procedures, consulting with staff and continuous
improvement of workplace health and safety performance.
 Risk Management- Identify and report, all relevant risks according to the Blue Care Safety Risk
Management Policy.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:

In accordance with the Blue Care Performance, Review and Development process an initial review of
performance will be undertaken within the probation period and then at least every 12 months, including
a review of performance against this position description.
Registered Nurse (Residential)
Position Approved by: Director Residential Services
Date last reviewed: Version 1, February 2012
Page 2 of 3
About Blue Care

Since it began in 1953, Blue Care has grown into one of Australia's leading providers of retirement living, and
residential aged and community care.

Our network of 260 centres across Queensland and northern New South Wales supports the care choices of older
people, people with a disability and others in need. Supporting people to remain independent as possible is our
passion.

Our staff and volunteers provide care for more than 12,500 people every day through a wide range of services,
including nursing, allied health, personal care, domestic assistance, respite, pastoral services and social support.

This support is offered to people in their homes, in the community, and in Blue Care’s centres, clinics, residential
aged care facilities and retirement living villages.

The professional and compassionate care Blue Care delivers is only possible because of the calibre and team work
of our 10,500+ staff and volunteers.

As a service of UnitingCare Queensland, Blue Care is committed to care services that express the Christian values
of the Uniting Church, and focus on the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of people we support,
regardless of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or spiritual background.

While our services are partially funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, the cost of care is
substantially more than the funds provided, and Blue Care relies heavily on financial support from the community
and our dedicated team of volunteers.

Our Vision

To be recognised as a national leader in the delivery of participatory care that promotes health and quality of life for
clients and the community.

Our Mission

As part of UnitingCare Queensland, the mission of Blue Care is to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals,
families and communities as we: Reach out to people in need; Speak out for fairness and justice; Care with
compassion, innovation and wisdom.

Our Values
Compassion: Through our understanding and empathy for others we bring holistic care, hope and
inspiration
Respect: We accept and honour diversity, uniqueness and the contribution of others
Justice: We commit to focus on the needs of the people we serve and to work for a fair, just and
sustainable society
Working together: We value and appreciate the richness of individual contributions, partnerships and teamwork
Leading through Our culture encourages innovation and supports learning.
Learning:

Registered Nurse (Residential)

Position Approved by: Director Residential Services
Date last reviewed: Version 1, February 2012
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