Assistant Head Nurse

As a frontline clinical leader, the Assistant Head Nurse (AHN) is responsible for the overall operation of the inpatient unit. Clinically, the AHN is responsible for overseeing the admission, discharge, and transfer of patients on the unit. These responsibilities include assigning duties to nursing and support staff, ensuring that the unit can support patients’ psychiatric and medical needs, and engaging in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders to provide quality care. The AHN ensures that the unit is adequately staffed and liaises with scheduling to arrange coverage. The AHN also engages in direct patient care, utilizing effective verbal de-escalation skills and medical skills. The AHN is responsible for promoting a safe working environment, upholding WHS standards and inspections, and modelling Recovery Alberta values. The AHN will work alongside the Clinical Nurse Educator/Instructor to support education and professional development for staff, including assisting with staff development, roll-out of new initiatives and the orientation of new staff. The AHN will facilitate patient conferences, coordinate care plan meetings with external stakeholders, and utilize systems level problem solving. Additionally, the AHN is independent, self-directed, and goal oriented, seeking opportunities to enhance the delivery of patient care through local quality improvement initiatives. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

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 1 year of experience working consistently as a Charge Nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit within the last 3 years. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced and high intensity environment under pressure and handle competing priorities. Demonstrated accountability for own professional practice. Ability to promote a positive work environment that facilitates the development of high performing teams. Excellent conflict resolution skills, including the ability to mediate conflict between multiple parties. Demonstrated problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Openness and adaptability to innovation and be a change advocate and agent. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the DSM V. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Calgary Zone AMH Inpatient Medical Capabilities Guidelines and AMH Bed flow policies and procedures by Recovery Alberta. Knowledge of Addiction and Mental Health related resources across the Calgary Zone. Consistently demonstrates behaviors consistent with the values of RA - Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety. Working Knowledge of the Scheduling Provisions of the UNA, AUPE-GSS, AUPE-AUX, and HSAA Collective Bargaining Agreements. Experience working with Connect Care. Ability to lift, push, and pull less than 20 lbs. (i.e. boxes of paper). Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI).

Master’s level degree in healthcare, nursing, or leadership. Prosci, Alberta Improvement Way, or other change-based certification & training. Working knowledge Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.