Assistant Head Nurse

The Palliative Care Assistant Head Nurse is responsible to: Guide, influence, and provide expert advice and consultative services at the local, zone or provincial level in the area of Palliative Care. Leads the development of best practice guidelines and recommendations, interprets trends in zone and provincial reports and leads others to identify innovative strategies for guiding program processes and services. Is recognized as a subject matter expert for knowledge and information affecting Palliative and End of Life Care within Central Zone. The AHN is closely aligned with Palliative Care Team, rural Clinical Nurse Educators, and zone operation to promote the provision of safe patient care and support delivery of that care. Coaches and mentors all health care professionals in best practice for Palliative and End of Life Care. The AHN works with a high degree of autonomy to develop, coordinate, facilitate, support and evaluate quality improvement initiatives at the site, sector, zone and provincial level within the context of Palliative Care. Develops and maintains a strong palliative care network of health care professionals (internal and external) to ensure ongoing communication, collaboration and stakeholder consultation.

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).

Additional clinical courses or certification in specialized palliative and end of life practice area. Minimum of 10 years experience in nursing with 5 years recent experience in palliative care specialty area. Experience with Quality Improvement processes and tools.

Master's Degree (asset). Certification with CNA for Hospice Palliative Care Nursing (CHPCN).