Summary of Duties

The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is a registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice. The Neurovascular Unit (B4) is a 27-bed unit which includes specialized stroke Level 2, Level 1 and Ward beds. Sunnybrook is a Regional Stroke Centre. Reporting to the Operations Director, the APN is an expert in specialized practice grounded in knowledge that comes from nursing and other theoretical foundations, experience and research, and is responsible for integrating and advancing clinical excellence through the application and evaluation of best practices. Emphasis in the position is placed on the enhancement/enrichment of clinical practice, interpersonal and leadership skills used to enhance patient and family care, the role of nursing and the promotion of organizational goals. The APN contributes to the quality of patient care through the component roles of advanced practitioner, educator, researcher and administration/leadership. The emphasis on each of these separate aspects of the role may vary over time in response to the evolving priorities of the specialty programs.

In collaboration with other Program Leaders, the APN is responsible for:

• Developing and promoting evidence-based clinical best practice;

• Supporting the recruitment and development of new staff;

• Supporting the professionalism of nurses;

• Supporting the orientation, performance and integration of staff as part of unit-based teams;

• Leading the integration and development of person-centred care;

• Identifying and effectively addressing a wide range of educational needs for both patients and staff;

• Participating in continuous quality improvement initiatives; conflict management, recruitment and retention, mentoring new staff, performance and practice reviews;

Qualifications/Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master’s Degree completed or in progress
• Current certificate of competence from the College of Nurses of ON
• Membership in RNAO
• Current BCLS certificate
• Minimum of 5 years recent experience in acute care setting
• Stroke/neurovascular and Critical Care experience preferred
• Collaborative approach to teaching/learning, conflict management
• Demonstrated teaching, team-building and leadership skills
• Ability to assist staff in integrating the concept of person-centred care into clinical practice
• Demonstrated ability to effectively make and manage change
• Expert knowledge, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills