Title: Nurse Practitioner - Bariatric Clinic

Department: Bariatric Clinic

Pay Band: $67.07-$76.29

Hours of Work: Full-Time Position, Day Shift

Union: ONA

Location: Hotel Dieu Hospital Site

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The NP role is grounded in the four core domains of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership, education, and research. The Nurse Practitioner (RN(EC)) is a clinical member of the Bariatric Centre of Excellence (BCoE) interdisciplinary team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

The NP provides comprehensive advanced practice care within both the surgical and medical programs at the Kingston BCoE. This includes comprehensive assessment and staging of the severity of the chronic disease of obesity and management of obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipedemia, as part of the overall care of patients living with obesity. The role is primarily clinical, with additional responsibilities in education, quality improvement, and program evaluation.

The NP fosters a respectful, patient centred environment and promotes a culture of compassionate, stigma-free care for individuals living with obesity. The NP participates in departmental, organizational, and professional activities that support program and corporate priorities, and practices in accordance with the standards and professional obligations of the College of nurses of Ontario. Care is delivered in alignment with the hospital’s vision, values, and applicable professional standards.

The NP functions as the primary prescribing clinician within the BCoE team, supporting timely, patient-centred clinical decision making across the full spectrum of behavioural, pharmacological and surgical care of patients living with obesity. bariatric care continuum: This includes pre-operative optimization for metabolic bariatric surgery, including initiation, adjustment, and monitoring of pharmacotherapy to treat the chronic disease of obesity. It also include post-operative follow-up. The NP also supports the medical program within the Kingston BCoE, which includes helping patients achieve a healthier state of wellness by providing knowledge and life skills to change their eating and coping behaviours, and develop alternative lifestyles that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy living.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES INCLUDE:

Advanced Clinical Assessment and Patient Management

• Conducts comprehensive medical assessments of patients living with obesity within the metabolic bariatric surgery and medical weight management programs at the Kingston BCoE including history, physical examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic test results.

• Identifies, assesses, and manages obesity-related comorbidities and complex medical conditions in patients pre and post metabolic bariatric surgery.

• Performs pre-operative risk stratification, and optimization of obesity-related comorbidities prior to metabolic bariatric surgery.

• Provides post-operative assessments and management of complications post metabolic bariatric surgery (e.g., reactive hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, food intolerance, and surgical complications)

• Manages patients within the medical weight management program, providing ongoing management of obesity-related comorbidities across the program continuum

• Provides comprehensive clinical assessments and management within NP scope of practice, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (metabolic bariatric surgeons, RD, SW, etc).

Care Coordination and Interprofessional Collaboration

• Collaborates with metabolic bariatric surgeons, endocrinologists, internal medicine physicians, primary care providers, and members of the interdisciplinary team at Kingston BCoE to support coordinated, patient-centred care and transitions of care

• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds, case conferences, and program planning meetings

• Refers patients to appropriate consultations with other health care providers and initiates specialty consultations as required

Patient and Family Education

• Provides education to patients and their families on chronic disease of obesity, health promotion, and disease prevention across the care continuum

• Develops, reviews, and evaluates patient education materials and programs

Program Development, Quality, and Professional Practice

• Contributes clinical expertise to program development, quality improvement initiatives, and development/revision of protocols and medical directives

• Follows evidence-based care, guidelines and best practice recommendations for managing patients living with obesity

• Participates in teaching and education for staff, learners, and interdisciplinary team members

• Engages in ongoing professional development and maintains clinical competence

• Participates in committees and relevant professional associations as appropriate

Additional Clinical and Professional Responsibilities

• Provides clinical management within NP scope of practice, including management of common medical and post-operative concerns

• Refers patients to appropriate health care providers and initiates specialty consultations as required

• Ensures accurate, timely, and appropriate clinical documentation

• Provides patient, family, and staff education to support evidence-based patient care and knowledge translation

• Follows evidence-based care, guidelines and best practice recommendations for managing patients living with obesity

• Participates in quality improvement, research, and program development initiatives as appropriate

• Engages in ongoing professional development and contributes to team and organizational initiatives

NOTE - The above duties are representative but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. A complete job description is available from People Services.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class (RN(EC))

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BScN) from an Ontario University or equivalent.

• Masters degree in nursing with a clinical specialty from a Canadian University or equivalent.

• Minimum five (5) years experience in the area of Chronic Disease Management.

• Demonstrated advanced clinical knowledge and practice at an expert level.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities

• Commitment to patient centered care, quality, and positive patient outcomes.

• Commitment to standards of excellence and accountability

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and professional standards including:

  • Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
  • Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)
  • Public Hospitals Act
  • Copyright legislation
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and clinical information systems (e.g., EMR).

• Demonstrated accountability, reliability, and professional judgement

• Proven good attendance record.

• Experience with managing patients pre- and post-metabolic bariatric surgery and/or managing patients living with obesity in primary care.

• Certification in a relevant clinical specialty (e.g., CNA or equivalent).

• Experience in an ambulatory care setting .

• Proficiency in speaking and comprehending both English and French.

• Obesity Canada Certified Bariatric Educator designation and /or Obesity Canada Calibre training program preferred

• Pharmacotherapy in Obesity Management course

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be able to meet the physical demands of this position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.