Clinical Nurse Specialist - Pediatric Nephrology

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to join the Nephrology and Hemodialysis service at McMaster Children’s Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to influence care across the full continuum for children and adolescents living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) requiring peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. 
In this advanced practice role, you will:
•    Provide expert direct patient care, including assessment, dialysis management, and coordination of complex care needs
•    Lead care transitions and discharge planning by collaborating with families and community partners
•    Mentor and support nursing staff in developing competency and confidence in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis
•    Champion quality improvement initiatives, system level enhancements, and evidence based practice
•    Serve as a clinical consultant to the interdisciplinary team, promoting holistic and family centred care
•    Contribute to the ongoing evolution of an engaged and high performing nephrology program
This is an ideal role for a confident, collaborative clinician who is passionate about improving outcomes for children with CKD and their families.

• The successful candidate must have a master’s degree in nursing

• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse

• Minimum five (5) years’ nursing experience in the pediatric acute care setting is required

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in applying advanced nephrology knowledge, physical assessment skills, diagnostic interventions and self-care or caregiver-lead management skills for pediatric patients in an ambulatory setting is required

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis is required

• Demonstrated experience providing equitable and inclusive care to parents, adults and children from historically excluded and marginalized communities including folks who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, disabled, and/or Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+

• Proficiency in performing history and examination of the infant, toddler, child, adolescent and early adulthood

• Knowledge and assessment of developmental milestones at all stages of pediatric development and ability to access appropriate community or hospital-based resources in complex care setting

• Experience in the development and maintenance of medical directives

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and compassionately during unexpected clinical changes, acute dialysis needs, or emotionally charged family discussions.

• Able to handle significant daily psychological and emotional stress in dealing with parents of critically or chronically ill children and adults

• Demonstrated ability for independent action, initiative, problem solving, organization and prioritization

• Identifies opportunities to enhance safety (e.g., infection control, catheter care, vascular access management) and leads quality improvement initiatives within the dialysis program

• Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

• Demonstrated ability to work in a consultative role with the members of the multidisciplinary team

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adapt positively to constantly changing clinical situations

• Knowledge and experience in change theory and pediatric learning principles

• Demonstrated ability to utilize information technology