Summary of Duties

The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is a registered nurse who has acquired expert knowledge, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for expanded practice through Masters-preparation. This advanced practice role involves applying nursing knowledge, theory, and research evidence to foster system-wide changes and advance nursing care and the profession as a whole (CNA, 2008).

The APN contributes to the quality of person-centred care through the domains of: practice, education, research, and leadership within an interprofessional environment. The emphasis on each aspect of the role may vary in response to the evolving priorities within the organization, the units, and health care in general.

At the Odette Cancer Centre outpatient clinic, the APN is required to provide leadership and support to the many nurses providing clinical care to cancer patients and their families both in the clinic setting and on the telephone. Program planning and development of continuous quality improvement projects that enhance the cancer patients’ experience throughout ambulatory care will be at the forefront of this role. The Advanced Practice Nurse is responsible for developing and promoting evidence-based clinical practice; supporting the professionalism and practice of nurses; leading the integration and development of person-centred initiatives; and identifying and effectively addressing a wide range of needs for both patients and staff within the ambulatory setting.

The APN will participate in continuous quality improvement and research initiatives. Evidence-based practice and knowledge transfer will be essential to this role. Critical thinking around patient care needs will be of utmost importance and the APN will work collaboratively with fellow APNs, Clinical Educators, Nursing Supervisors, and the Professional Lead for Oncology Nursing to ensure that patients and families receive safe, quality, and efficient care. The APN must be flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing needs and priorities of the organization at the program, corporate, and provincial level. A key aspect of the APN role is to support nursing staff, through performance and practice reviews. Proficiency in providing feedback and dealing with nursing-based practice concerns will be an important component of this role.

Working collaboratively with the health care team, the successful candidate will:

• Integrate evidence, best-practice requirements, and competency standards into nursing practice
• Support nursing practice through feedback in performance reviews & encouraging reflective practice
• Advocate for and foster patient and family engagement at the unit-level
• Identify & address nursing staff learning needs
• Foster professional development among nursing staff
• Demonstrate local (unit-based)and system-wide (hospital) leadership
• Manage conflict effectively and see through to positive resolution
• Work to create and maintain a safe working environment
• Engage in the development, implementation, and evaluation of CQI & research activities
• Lead and champion the integration of person-centered care initiatives
• Collaborate effectively with interprofessional health care team members
• Be open to meeting the ever changing needs of patient care and organizational objectives
• Support the implementation and evaluation of the outpatient telephone work & programing initiatives underway for patients and families

Qualifications

• Required current certification of registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario and current BCLS certificate.
• Master’s degree required – Master’s in Nursing preferred; Master’s degree in process will the considered
• A minimum of three (3) years related clinical experience in oncology nursing
• Experience in ambulatory oncology preferred
• A minimum of three years in an advanced practice or nursing leadership role is strongly preferred
• Canadian Nurses Association certification as Certified Oncology Nurse CON(c) or Oncology Nursing Society (OCN) certification preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, interpersonal, oral, and written skills
• Proven organizational & time management skills; ability to adapt to change & identify priority work
• Established understanding and ability to integrate concept of person-centered care
• Evidence of successful change management skills, including effective implementation & evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others
• Proven ability to adapt and work as an effective team member in a high pressure environment