Assistant Head Nurse

The Lethbridge Heart Function Clinic (HFC) registered nurse (RN) functions within an advanced clinical practice role as a part of an interdisciplinary team providing the assessment, management and education of patients and families affected by heart failure. This position includes extensive collaboration with physicians, cardiologists, pharmacists, social workers, home care case managers, AHLP colleagues (NP, RD, OT, PT, RT, RN) and other members of the health care team. The RN also collaborates with health professionals in the community and across rural settings in the South Zone, including primary care providers, home care and palliative care services to ensure the provision of equitable, timely and optimal access to healthcare services. This role includes, but is not limited to, independently assessing, triaging and evaluating patients during RN appointments, physician clinics and during telephone and video appointments, to implement and guide treatment plans. The RN synthesizes clinical and diagnostic data to make clinical decisions as guided by evidence-based practice guidelines. The RN ensures that comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care is available for patients and their families in the HFC. The RN must be accountable to the professional responsibility to learn, consume research and demonstrate the ability to transfer evidence into practice in this advanced clinical role.

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

Minimum of 5 years of recent cardiac nursing experience with ICU/CCU cardiology experience an asset. Excellent ability in assessment, triage, education and management of heart failure, cardiac disease and vascular protection required. Must possess advanced cardiac assessment and critical thinking skills and demonstrate the ability to synthesize clinical assessment and diagnostic data when triaging patient concerns and making clinical decisions. Must possess the necessary skills to function in a fast-paced environment demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to sudden changes in workload. Experience within the area of chronic disease preferred. Strong knowledge of heart failure etiology’s, advanced assessment skills and psychosocial assessment skills an asset. Must exemplify strong leadership skills including time management, communication, complex problem solving and critical thinking skills, and self-directed learning. Demonstration of basic 12 lead ECG interpretation and a systematic approach to basic cardiac dysrhythmia interpretation. Proficient in understanding and interpretation of cardiac diagnostics and procedures including the patient preparation for same (CV surgery, coronary angiograms, MRI, CT, Echocardiograms, nuclear imaging studies, etc.) Demonstrate experience and skills in motivational interviewing and/or facilitating health education in adults for one-on one patient/family care and to teach a class to patient/family/support persons

Critical care certification, ICU experience, coaching, motivational interviewing or other adult learning courses or certifications.