Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will apply specialized knowledge, skills and responsibilities in providing and advancing quality care for the Arrhythmia patient population. This includes but not limited to patients with cardiac implantable devices, patients with arrhythmias as well as those with history of heart failure. The CNS uses an advanced cardiovascular knowledge base, physical assessment skills, diagnostic interventions and a holistic perspective to participate in the plan of care for the arrhythmia patient, in collaboration with the patient, the family, physicians and the interdisciplinary team. The CNS directs the development and implementation of basic and advanced educational programs for patients, families, staff, other health professionals and self, guided by concepts from relevant educational theory. The CNS will play a significant role in the development of evidence-based practice for the arrhythmia population. The CNS will report to both the Clinical Director - C&V Program and The Chief of interprofessional practice, and work in collaboration with the medical director of arrhythmia services. The CNS will be available to tutor and mentor nursing and other health professional students as appropriate, and participate in continuing education activities to integrate the role of the CNS in the program and academic settings; initiate, participate, and/or lead programs, presentations, publications, evaluations and other system changes to continue the enhancement of interdisciplinary care teams.

1. Current registration with the College of Nurses as a Registered Nurse 
2. Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing 
3. Masters’ Degree in Nursing, Quality or Education
4. Recent (minimum 5 years) clinical experience in cardiac nursing. Previous experience with the cardiac patient population is preferred.
5. Demonstrated ability to communicate (written and verbal) effectively with patients, families and other members of the health care team
6. Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking skills, and conflict resolution skills
7. Demonstrated commitment to patient and family-centered care 
8. Demonstrated ability to lead and evaluate continuous quality improvement initiatives
9. Demonstrated ability to promote and implement evidence-based practice for inter-professional teams
10. Demonstrated triage and excellent time management skills 
11. Demonstrated administrative and computer skills with experience in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications 
12. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and demands 
13. Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements and systems that increase efficiency and effectiveness 
14. Demonstrated ability to promote professional development 
15. Demonstrated ability for independent action, initiative, problem-solving, organization and prioritization
16. Able to model high level of professional behavior in an inter-professional environment
17. Participates in reflective practice and continued personal and professional growth
18. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
19. Membership in the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and other professional organizations relevant to the role
20. Eligible for Faculty Cross Appointment.