Assistant Head Nurse

Unit 4D2/D3 is the Pediatric Trauma and Inpatient Surgery unit supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital as a Level 1 Trauma Centre, providing specialized surgical and trauma care to children from across Alberta and Western Canada. This Assistant Head Nurse (AHN) opportunity is ideal for experienced charge nurses ready to take the next step into formal clinical leadership within a high-acuity pediatric setting. The AHN is a frontline leader responsible for coordinating safe, high-quality patient care across multiple points of entry, including the Emergency Department, PICU, Burn Unit, PACU, and other Stollery units. Working closely with the Unit Manager and fellow AHNs, the AHN provides visible leadership through daily staffing coordination, facilitation of patient flow, and real-time clinical decision-making. The role requires strong clinical judgment, effective communication, and the ability to support staff through complex, fast-paced situations. The AHN mentors and coaches staff, acts as a clinical resource, and provides direct patient care as needed to support unit operations. The role also contributes to operational priorities and quality improvement initiatives, while consistently integrating Patient and Family-Centred Care principles and the ChildKind philosophy into practice and leadership decisions.

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 of five (5) years of recent (within the past five years) acute or critical care experience, demonstrating readiness to support complex clinical environments. Proven experience in a formal or informal leadership capacity (e.g., Charge Nurse), with the ability to support staff, make sound clinical decisions, and influence practice at the point of care. Strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced, high‑acuity setting. Well‑developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead teams, provide feedback, and manage conflict in a respectful and constructive manner. Working knowledge of inpatient patient flow and care transitions from multiple points of entry, including the Operating Room, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, clinics, and internal transfers. Previous involvement in quality improvement, operational initiatives, or practice improvement activities demonstrating engagement in system and care delivery enhancement. Demonstrated commitment to Patient‑ and Family‑Centred Care, the ChildKind philosophy, and alignment with AHS values in both clinical practice and leadership approach.

Current PALS, ACLS, and/or TNCC certification is an asset. Completion of formal leadership or supervisory development courses demonstrating commitment to leadership growth is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of change management principles, with experience supporting or implementing practice or process improvements. Experience participating in or leading quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, clinical practice, or unit operations.