Assistant Head Nurse

The Emergency Department Quality Improvement (QI) Assistant Head Nurse (AHN) provides expertise and support to the ED with respect to quality and safety, aligning with RGH and AHS priorities and needs in an effort to improve outcomes of care and services for patients and staff. The QI AHN participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of QI processes and projects based on the collection and evaluation of data together with staff collaboration. The QI AHN works co-operatively with members of the front-line interdisciplinary team and management in the ED to develop a shared culture and apply common values to work together to solve problems, utilize patient feedback and contribute to a culture of quality and safety. The QI AHN has the ability to influence members of the health care team within the ED. This individual acts as a resource to frontline staff when issues arise and establishes relationships and collaborates with external partners as a component of garnering solutions. The QI AHN has strong interpersonal skills and is an effective communicator. They demonstrate leadership and initiative, is self-directed and organized, exhibits attention to detail and has a passion for quality improvement. In the ED, the QI AHN is a leader in change management. They identify effective methods for communicating process/flow improvements to front line staff, facilitates knowledge sharing on type of data being collected and the effects of flow changes (to staff and patients). The QI AHN monitors the effect of change, both on a formal and informal basis.

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.

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).

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing required. Minimum 5 years current Calgary Corridor Emergency Nursing experience required. Demonstrated working knowledge of Clinical Informatics, including but not limited to: ASAP-CC, CC-DTB, CC Dashboards/Reporting, Tableau, RLS required. Advanced knowledge, skills and proficiency through recent experience in a formal leadership role. Must demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated advanced communication and leadership skills. Demonstrated adult teaching skills and resource development. Demonstrated ability to deal with stressful situations in a dynamic environment. Superior organizational skills. Superior interpersonal/conflict management skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and be self-directed. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with patients, families, team members, leadership, as well as other acute care departments. Dynamic nature of role and department requires standing, sitting, walking, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping and carrying during the shift. Additionally, transferring and transporting supplies, equipment and people of varying sizes and degrees of mobility during the shift. Extended periods of computer use and keyboarding. Working varying shifts, including night shifts, to support downtime processes and occasional adjustment of hours depending on initiative implementation. Able to effectively work in a rapid paced, and unpredictable environment.

Master’s degree in health-related discipline preferred. AIW certification and/or Prosci change management certification preferred. AHS Leadership courses. Current Calgary Corridor experience and knowledge in quality improvement, methodology, process analysis, group facilitation, outcome/evaluation strategies and patient safety preferred. 2 to 3 years of experience with QI methodology preferred. Current RGH Emergency Department nursing experience preferred.