Clinical Nurse Specialist

As part of an inter-professional Palliative Care Consult Service, the CNS provides an advanced level of nursing practice maximizing application of in-depth nursing theory, knowledge & skills in meeting complex palliative healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities. The CNS functions as a palliative clinical practice consultant, nursing practice & systems leader, expert practitioner, educator & program developer, & contributes to program evaluation, QI & research initiatives. The CNS is responsible for the advancement of primary and secondary palliative care activities, with a specific focus on patients with life limiting oncological diagnoses and works collaboratively with colleagues across other services. The Palliative CNS working in the Arthur Child Cancer Center is a consultative resource to provide leadership & consultative direction to initiatives focused on building a ‘seamless’ continuum of care, improving access, & enhancing palliative & EOL care. Progressively develop & implement strategic business plans palliative care specific to oncology to improve service delivery, anticipate future service needs & ensure compliance with standards for palliative care. Provide advanced/ expert nursing consultation for palliative & EOL care & symptom management for clients with life limiting oncological illnesses. Collaborate with oncology and supportive care partners to build and maintain palliative & EOL care competencies for staff & leadership. Lead teams of multiple stakeholders to solve system or care challenges through QI, evaluation & research activities & facilitate implementation of these solutions.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you will provide an advanced level of nursing practice that maximizes the application of in-depth nursing theory, knowledge and skills in meeting the complex health care needs of individuals, families and communities. You will function as a nursing practice leader, consultant, expert practitioner, educator and researcher within a clinical specialty area. You will balance various roles depending upon the needs of the patient population and the healthcare team, collaborating on the provision of holistic and comprehensive care. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Master's degree in Nursing. 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).

5 years of clinical experience relevant to palliative care within acute care, community and/or hospice. Advanced Practice Nurse (CNS) experience. Ability to work well independently and as part of an interprofessional team. Demonstrated skills as an educator, innovator, and change agent. Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication. Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and computer skills. Demonstrated program development skills. Experience with change management and leading quality improvement initiatives. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, multiple interruptions, and difficult conversations - which may include emotionally stressed situations involving patients, family members and attending teams. Demonstrated experience in research, QI and change management. Consultant Experience.

CNA - Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Nursing certification (CHPCN). 3-5 years of oncology clinical experience.