Clinical Nurse Specialist- Colorectal Surgical Oncology 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, West Park Healthcare Center and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. 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. Find out about our purpose, values and principles here.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Nursing - Colorectal Surgical Oncology Program
Reports to: Clinical Director
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $46.99 - $58.74 per hour
Status: Temporary Full-Time (approx. 18 months), Start Date Jan 2025
Closing Date: November 28, 2024

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.

The UHN Colorectal Surgical Oncology Program represents a Centre of Excellence within the Division of General Surgery for surgical oncological treatment and research activities related to the stomach, colon, and rectum. The Colorectal Surgical Program is comprised of 4 full-time sub-specialty trained surgical oncologists and colorectal surgeons who care for 1,500 new cancer patients a year.

The Colorectal Surgical Oncology Program Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and functions in an expanded role demonstrating a high level of autonomy and expert skill. This role is primarily outpatient focused, with time spent supporting clinical care both in-person and by phone, assisting with triage, follow up, coordination, and assessment of surgical patients.

When patients are referred to the Colorectal Surgical Oncology Program at UHN, the CNS will triage patients in collaboration with the surgical and administrative team; conduct health histories and physical examinations, identify pre-operative and post-operative risk factors; and arrange further diagnostic work-up, if required. Understanding the unique psychosocial, educational and medical needs and concerns of patients with gastrointestinal cancers is a key responsibility of the CNS in the management of supportive and symptomatic care throughout the patient's surgical pathway.

The CNS utilizes advanced knowledge to support patients and their families and plays a key leadership role in programmatic, organizational and professional initiatives—both internal and external to the organization. Other responsibilities include, leading and performing clinical research and quality improvement activities; leading and performing project management; liaising and providing coordination of care between Colorectal Surgical Program and other key sites, services and disciplines such as Medical Oncology, the surgical interprofessional team and primary care providers, delivering, coordinating and participating in education and professional development activities/programs; and performing activities to further develop and strengthen the nursing profession; performs other duties consistent with the job classification, as required.

This position will report to the Clinical Director, Surgical Program and the Medical Director, UHN HPB Surgical Program with matrix alignment to the Director of Professional Practice.

• Completion of a Masters degree program in Nursing or recognized equivalent.
• Three or more years of surgical oncology nursing experience, preferably with experience in General Surgery or Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Critical Care nursing experience preferred
• Experience in nursing research and quality improvement methodology
• Eligible for cross-appointment to an academic institution
• Current certificate of registration and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing preferred Membership in the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) and other organizations relevant to the role preferred
• Knowledge of data management programs
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Effective interpersonal and customer services skills Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent Project Management skills
• Excellent decision making, problem recognition and problem solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Commitment to collaborative practice
• Ability to work effectively independently and under stressful conditions
• Ability to work in a self directed manner
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple demands
• Ability to utilize information technology
• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support required

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 and opportunity for remote work
• 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.