Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative

Department: CCC & Palliative Care

Program: Specialty Medicine
Status: Temporary Full Time (~12 months)
8 Hour Shifts - Days (Subject to Change)
Location: Lakeridge Health Oshawa & Ajax-Pickering
Wage Schedule: $49.490 - $67.130 per hour
File Number: 2500002577

JOB SUMMARY:

The Clinical Nurse Specialist, Palliative Care provides leadership and demonstrates advanced clinical preparation and expert nursing skills in the provision of care to patients in need of palliative care. Provides consultation and education to, and works in collaboration with, physicians, nurses and other interdisciplinary team members to provide evidence-based care for patients who require palliative care. Practices in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) standards. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per LH policies and guidelines and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values of the organization as well as with the concept of patient and family centred care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Care:

• Focused on Ajax Pickering site

• Utilizes advanced assessment and intervention strategies to provide care to patients with palliative care needs

• Together with the interprofessional team supports patients and families to develop goals of care and a plan to address those goals

• Supports and counsels patients with respect to palliative care options to ensure their health needs are met

• Evaluates and monitors care outcomes, completes timely follow-up and modifies the plan of care as necessary to achieve health goals

• Liaises with community partners and services to ensure appropriate supportive discharge plans are in place

• Develops appropriate patient and family education materials

Consultation and Collaboration:

• Mostly focused at Ajax Pickering site

• Collaborates and consults with physicians and other members of the interprofessional team to develop, implement and monitor a comprehensive plan of care for patients with palliative care needs

• Provides clinical guidance to manage palliative care patients and improve quality of care and outcomes

• Provides timely and appropriate consultation, referrals and collaboration with other health-care providers

• Consults and collaborates with members of the health-care team to develop quality improvement and risk management strategies

• Collaborates with patients and families to determine appropriate treatment plans and therapeutic interventions

• Applies specialized knowledge to recommend appropriate plans of care

• Acts as a resource and provides coaching related to palliative care practice

Clinical and Professional Practice Leadership:

• At all Lakeridge Health sites

• Promotes and facilitates excellence in palliative care by providing clinical and professional practice leadership

• Identifies the learning needs of nurses and other members of the health care team and finds or develops programs and resources to meet those needs

• Mentors and coaches nursing colleagues, other members of the health care team and students.

• Evaluates palliative care performance of staff and provides feedback and counselling where appropriate

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of palliative care programs and practices.

• Supports student placement and learning opportunities, where appropriate

• Initiates and maintains links with other palliative care practitioners in the province to advance clinical outcomes for patients

• Translates knowledge to practice through the development, delivery and evaluation of palliative care education

• Develops staff education materials in various formats.

Research:

• At all Lakeridge Health sites

• Critiques, interprets, applies and disseminates evidence-based findings

• Promotes the use of current evidence to inform palliative care programs and practice

• Identifies and implements research-based innovations for improving client care

• Evaluates current practice in light of recent evidence

• Contributes to nursing and the health care system by disseminating new knowledge through formal and informal channels, including presentation and publication.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree in Nursing;

• Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario;

• LEAP certificate preferred;

• Certification in CNA Hospice Palliative Care Nursing or evidence of working towards;

• Minimum 3 years clinical experience in Palliative or Oncology care;

• Strong leadership and change management skills;

• Positive approach to service and a demonstrated capacity for empathy;

• Demonstrated program planning and implementation abilities;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently;

• Demonstrated ability in interpersonal communication and coaching;

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate ongoing staff development;

• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills;

• Strong organizational and communication skills;

• Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy;

• Ability to travel between Lakeridge Health sites as required;

• Demonstrates a commitment to customer service when dealing with patients, colleagues, volunteers and other members of the community and public; and

• Demonstrated understanding of and, commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety program and practices including staff, patient, and environmental safety and participation in regular in-service education in this are

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with Lakeridge Health's policies and procedures.

Lakeridge Health thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

At Lakeridge Health we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive and accessible and to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to. As an equal opportunity employer we welcome applications from all qualified applicants.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.