JOB PURPOSE

Working in collaboration with hospital teams, community services and other health system partners, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides leadership and expertise that supports optimal patient care across the continuum of care (hospital and/or community settings). This role includes the five components of a CNS: practitioner, consultant, educator, researcher, and leader. The balance of these components will vary depending upon the needs of the patients and priorities of the designated clinical program. The work is performed in accordance with Horizon Health Network administrative policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in nursing
• Active registration with NANB and in good standing or eligible for registration.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Minimum of five (5) years recent clinical experience in designated field of care delivery (hospital and/or community).
• Demonstrated competence as a clinical practitioner.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to be self-directed.
• Demonstrated effective teaching skills in both a formal and informal settings.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an outcome's management framework.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a project management framework to identify and support program initiatives.
• Proven computer technology skills: Microsoft applications- Outlook, Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; CIS, and ability to use virtual meeting forums such as Microsoft Teams® and ZOOM ®.
• Good previous work and attendance record
• Must be able to travel within Horizon as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinician

Providing expert care by conducting detailed assessments, creating care plans, and intervening in complex situations (CNA, 2020).

• Coordinates the care of the patient care in the inpatient, outpatient setting and/or community settings in collaboration with the Authorized Prescriber(s) and program leads to support the program.
• Provides case management of complex patients as required.
• Leads the clinical management of any designated programming within their assignment and liaising with all appropriate stakeholders.

Consultant

Using expertise in their clinical specialty to support all stakeholders (e.g., regulated nurses, policy makers and other health-care providers) and promote positive client outcomes (CNA, 2020)

• Provides clinical consultation and just-in-time staff education, support and/or care and education of the patient & family across hospital and/or community settings.
• Identifies and develops programs or services that enhance the care of the designated patient group across the care continuum.
• Initiates and promotes health promotion strategies for the patient population.
• Maintains relevant data bases, identifies trends and issues and analyzes data specific to their assigned program/patient population such as Average Length of Stay, ADD Community example to support evidence-based practice.
• Develops and Leads Quality Improvement Projects, Clinical Order Sets, Policies and Procedures.

Educator

Educating clients, nurses, students, and other health-care providers on the use of evidence-based practice (CNA, 2020).

• Delivers formal and informal education to staff, patients, families and interdisciplinary teams.
• Collaborates with educators, charge nurses and allied health professionals to support clinical staff in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of practice.

Researcher

Ensuring that their practice applies evidence-based care most effectively while being a leader in every aspect of research (CNA, 2020)

• Supports the development of best practice for the designated patient population through engagement in research, quality studies, and data analysis.
• Coordinates and participates in research studies related to designated patient population.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of National, International and Accreditation Canada standards of care for the designated patient population.
• Integrates evidence-based practices to enhance care, quality and safety.
• Contributes to writing scientific and technical reports.

Leadership

Promoting the advancement of their specialty and providing clinical leadership as an agent of change in their practice (CNA, 2020) within the designated field.

• Acts as a clinical leader and change agent across the continuum of care, whose expertise supports evidenced-based innovation and quality improvement.
• Leads and contributes to initiatives developed by the program. Examples (included but not limited to) are Quality Improvement Projects, Clinical Order Sets, Policies and Procedures. Aligns clinical and community practices with Horizon's program strategies, provincial strategies, Horizon standards and recognized standards such as Accreditation Canada to ensure consistent, safe and high-quality care.
• Participates in local, Provincial and National forums to contribute to system-level planning and strategic healthcare initiatives.
• Engages with appropriate professional regulatory bodies to advocate for clinical priorities, support professional standards and contribute to the advancement of nursing practice.
• Provides leadership within organizational, Regional and Provincial initiatives to support alignment with health system goals and emerging needs

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills.
• Acts as resource to interprofessional teams across the care continuum.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude.
• Self-motivated, self-tarter and able to work collaboratively as a team member.
• Understands organizational structure and practices and applies this knowledge in the clinical and program environment.
• Demonstrates exceptional clinical and scientific writing skills.
• Demonstrates sound decision-making and critical thinking in complex situations.
• Demonstrates professionalism and ethical integrity in all interactions.
• Demonstrates or is willing to develop competencies aligned with the LEADS Program within 18 months of hire.
• Able to foster partnerships with internal and external partners across the healthcare system.

If a candidate's primary language of communication is not English, an English Language Proficiency Evaluation is required for all postings (Reading, Writing and Oral).

Interested? Apply Today!

Horizon Health Network (Horizon) only accepts online applications.

About Horizon's Recruitment Process

We thank all applicants who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply as an equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Horizon's recruitment screening process may include language proficiency testing, clerical testing and/or behavioral assessment. If you are selected for testing, you will be contacted via the email address provided on your application. The official results will be shared with the candidate, Human Resources and the requesting manager electronically and language results will be placed on the personnel file for Horizon's hiring purposes.

Diversity Statement

Horizon is committed to enhancing our diverse and inclusive environment for our employees and patients. We believe in a healthcare system that equally supports all people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, social background, religion, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or sexual orientation. An environment based on a commitment to diversity and inclusion supports our goal of safe and quality patient care.