Clinical Nurse Specialist (Cns) - Brain Program

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Toronto Rehab (TR) is a leader in adult rehabilitation and complex continuing care. It brings together innovative patient care, groundbreaking research and diverse education to help people overcome or recover from disabling injury, illness or age-related conditions. University Centre is one of five Toronto Rehab sites across Toronto.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto Rehab - University Centre, 550 University Ave., Toronto
Department: University Centre
Reports to: Director of Professional Practice
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Shifts: Day shift
Status: Temporary Full-Time (6 months)
Closing Date: December 25, 2024

Position Summary

This CNS position will play a key role within the Brain Program Leadership and TR Professional Practice Teams. The CNS will be responsible for liaising with all program inpatient units and outpatient clinics located at TR's University Centre (UC) site on a regular basis.

Duties:

• Proactively assist clinical teams in addressing patient care issues and clinical concerns
• Ensure clinical interventions are aligned with best practices
• Support education and academic practice, student mentorship, and research activities
• A key function of this role will be to provide expertise in the care of medically and behaviorally complex individuals. Specifically, the CNS will undertake assessments of patients referred for complex behavioural or medical issues (related to a stroke or other acquired brain injury) and will be expected to support the inter-professional care team in developing their own assessment skills, patient care plans and clinical interventions, while also providing support to patients and their families.
• The CNS will be expected to build capacity with staff around addressing both chronic and acute medical/neurological and behavioral issues.
• They will also be expected to consult with other specialty services and supports, such as psychiatry or wound care, as required.
• The successful candidate will further have the opportunity to contribute to clinical quality improvement initiatives and participate in program development. They should be able to demonstrate understanding of, compliance with, and commitment to UHN values, patient safety, and best practices in order to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff.
  

• Master's degree in Nursing required
• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN in the General Class required, and able to practice without restrictions
• Completion of a Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) program required
• Crisis intervention training, TIDES training (trauma-informed de-escalation techniques) or additional clinical specialization in behavioural health considered an asset
• CNA Specialty Certification in Neurology or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing also considered assets
• Minimum 3-5 years recent clinical experience in acute or rehab inpatient setting preferred
• Prior experience as a CNS in a specified clinical specialty program also preferred
• Advanced knowledge of the interplay of mental health and medical conditions
• Knowledge of professional trends, scope and standards of practice, and relevant legislation
• Demonstrated knowledge base and advanced level of clinical competence in working with patients with complex and chronic neurological health issues
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Previous experience in designing or facilitating teaching/educational initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to act as a resource and consultant to clinicians and interprofessional team members
• Demonstrated self-directed, critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated organizational, presentation and leadership skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development
• Patient/Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with diversity and appreciate that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring richness to the challenge or situation at hand
  

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.