Position Overview

In the context of Winnipeg Integrated Services, the CNS provides regional and PPH program leadership. CNS services are provincial in scope where WRHA has a provincial mandate to provide services; and participates in provincial, cross jurisdictional, national and international efforts when the issues are larger in scope.

Under the general direction of the Director of Population and Public Health Services, as part of the multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides:

• Leadership in promoting excellence in the delivery of relevant nursing/psychiatric nursing services through the application of advanced knowledge of nursing/psychiatric nursing care, research methodologies, evidence-based practice and program evaluation.
• The CNS addresses key clinical issues and program priorities by participating in or directing clinical practice, consultation, education, research, support of systems, publication and professional leadership.
• The priorities of the CNS are directed by program priorities.
• The CNS provides leadership and direction related to nursing/psychiatric nursing practice, standards, program development and evaluation, quality and research.

Experience

• Minimum five years of recent clinical experience in a variety of nursing roles relevant to the position.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Masters of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing with graduate course work in research methods required.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Individual is responsible for maintaining and providing proof of active registration on the register of practicing nurses as per Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)/Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act.
• Active participation in professional associations e.g. Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) preferred.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.
• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Aboriginal language and/or knowledge in Aboriginal customs, traditions and values.
• Proficient with computers, software programs, and applications such as Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Competency in managing technology in healthcare systems.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to perform independently and as a member of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Ability to function in a demanding and stressful environment.
• Demonstrated effective conceptual, organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking/problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to plan, manage and implement change effectively.
• Ability to foster interpersonal relationships including effective negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated effective group facilitation skills.
• Ability to teach at individual and group level.
• Knowledge of the research process and ability to apply research to clinical practice.
• Project management skills.
• College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba/Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses/Registered Psychiatric Nurses.
• Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, if not a Registered Psychiatric Nurse.
• Scope of practice as documented in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)/Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act.
• Regional/Facility/unit policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines.
• Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), Protection of Persons in Care Act, Mental Health Act, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), Principles of Routine Practices (Universal Precautions) and other legislated acts.
• Principles of collaborative practice.
• Advanced nursing care knowledge related to clinical area.
• Roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team.
• Principles of delegation.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable