Position Summary

Temporary Part-Time Support Staff position (January 5, 2025 – April 25, 2026)

The Practice Application Specialist (PAS) is a key member of the teaching and learning team within the School of Health & Life Sciences. This role supports students in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application by demonstrating, supervising, mentoring, coaching, and assessing nursing skills.

The PAS assists in preparing students to apply the required skills that must be demonstrated within laboratory and clinical environments and facilitates student activities and resources in the Open Access Lab environment. Acting as a resource for students, faculty and community practicum staff, the PAS promotes their program to external stakeholders in the placement community.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work 12-hour clinical shifts on-site Monday to Saturday at any of our campuses including Kitchener, Waterloo, Milton and Guelph, as well as clinical sites in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Milton and Mississauga areas.

Responsibilities

• Organize for the effective delivery of skills demonstration using the pre-determined criteria available in the programs using a variety of resources
• Adapt experiential learning activities to observe students’ ability to demonstrate practice capability and decision making, aligned with program outcomes and regulatory standards
• Schedule individual and group activities, including remedial work appointments
• Model and demonstrate professional practices and conduct assessments of skills via return demonstrations, for individuals or groups of students
• Document student progress using standardized assessment tools
• Consult with faculty regarding the student progress, especially those experiencing challenges
• Maintain student files for use by the teaching and learning team
• Ensure daily cleanliness and functionality of the lab environment and equipment
• Supervise students in practicum settings, including regular communication with placement sites, liaising with agency staff to support learning, observation of student performance, and meetings with preceptors and students
• Provide constructive feedback, review evaluations, and provide input to the teaching and learning team faculty regarding the final grade based on established criteria
• Refer students needing additional support to the teaching and learning team
• Maintain professional development by accessing current evidence-based research and best practices
• Remain aware of changing clinical practice, attending continuing education courses, and consulting with agency staff
• Attend orientation, planning, teaching and learning, and program-level meetings throughout the term
• Proctor student examinations during designated periods throughout the academic year

Qualifications

• A two-year diploma and current certificate of competence as a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse in the Province of Ontario in good standing is required; candidates with a four-year degree in nursing are also encouraged to apply
• Minimum five years of nursing experience in medicine, surgery, or long-term care within an active health care environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students and interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent organizational abilities to support student activities and initiatives
• Demonstrated initiative and creative problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong computer skills and willingness to remain current with advancing computer technology
• Adherence to the College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards of Nursing Practice, with ongoing professional development as required
• Access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel to multiple locations