Clinical Nurse Specialist

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Geriatrics
Reports to: Clinical Director of Emergency, General Internal Medicine and Primary Care
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: F0:04
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $48.40 - $60.50 per hour (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Shifts: Monday-Friday
Closing Date: January 31, 2025

Position Summary

University Health Network (UHN) is looking for an experienced professional to fill the key role of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) - Geriatrics Program in our Collaborative Academic Practice Department.

Duties

This CNS position plays a key role in the Geriatric Leadership Teams. The CNS is responsible for liaising with all inpatient units and outpatient clinics on a regular basis to: proactively assist clinical teams in addressing patient care issues and clinical concerns; ensure clinical interventions are aligned with organizational policies and best practices; and, support education and academic practice, student mentorship, and research activities. A key function of this role will be to provide expertise in the care of medically and behaviorally complex individuals. Many of these patients also have wound care needs, so wound care expertise is an asset. More specifically, the CNS will undertake assessments of patients with multiple medical co-morbidities and complex behavioral issues, and will be expected to support the inter-professional care team in developing appropriate care plans and clinical interventions to address patient needs. At the same time, the CNS will be expected to provide support to patients and their significant others, as appropriate. They will be expected to build capacity of point-of-care staff in addressing and managing both acute and longer-term medical and behavioral issues. The CNS will also be expected to consult with other specialty services and supports, both internal and external, as required.

The successful candidate will have many opportunities to contribute to clinical quality improvement initiatives and participate in program development in this role. They should be able to demonstrate understanding of, compliance with, and commitment to UHN values, patient safety, and best practices in order to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff.

• Master's degree in Nursing, Education or Quality Improvement or Health Administration required
• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN required
• 3-5 years recent clinical experience in Acute or Post-Acute Rehab or Transitional Care setting required
• Prior experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Nurse, Clinical Practice Leader or Nurse Clinician preferred
• Specialized Wound care experience or completion of NSWOCC or IIWC wound management certification an asset
• CNA Specialty Certification in Geriatrics, Mental Health or Medical Surgical Nursing an asset or willingness to obtain
• Certification in P.I.E.C.E.S. an asset
• Sound understanding of the CNA framework and domains of Advanced Practice Nursing
• Advanced Knowledge of the Biopsychosocial Care Model and framework
• Knowledge of Healthcare system trends, standards of care, relevant legislation and required organizational practices
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to navigate access to community-based resources and services
• Advanced clinical competence in working with patients living with complex and chronic physical, neurological or mental health conditions
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Sound understanding of adult education principles and program design
• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to act as a resource and consultant to interprofessional team members
• Demonstrated self-directed, problem-solving skills
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated commitment to Quality and Safety
• Completion of a Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) program required
• Completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or equivalent safe management training
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development
• Patient/Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with diverse teams and populations

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.