Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Palliative Home Care (PHC) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is responsible for the advancement of palliative care practice within the PHC program, and across the larger health care system. In this role, the PHC CNS will act as a change agent for system transformation and improved collaboration and transitions for PHC clients across the Calgary Zone. The CNS provides an advanced level of nursing practice that maximizes the application of in-depth nursing theory, knowledge and skill in meeting the complex palliative health care needs of individuals and families. The CNS functions as a consultant, nursing practice leader, expert practitioner, educator, and contributes to quality improvement and research initiatives to support improved client outcomes within the PHC program. Responsibilities: Develop collaborative partnerships within the health care system to support the identification, collaboration, referral and transition of care for palliative home care clients. The CNS will be responsible for mentoring, promoting standards of practice, responding to clinical questions, and coordinating ongoing skill and knowledge development amongst multidisciplinary staff. The CNS supports/leads organizational initiatives using systems change methodologies to support clinical practice across palliative care services including PHC and partner agencies. The CNS is responsible for providing expert input on educational programs based on needs and priorities identified from legislation, continued competencies, quality improvement, strategic plans and objectives and organizational needs. The CNS is involved in the development and implementation of education for operational/clinical resource tools, and AHS clinical policies and procedures (including participation in committees and/or working groups) as required.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you will provide an advanced level of nursing practice that maximizes the application of in-depth nursing theory, knowledge and skills in meeting the complex health care needs of individuals, families and communities. You will function as a nursing practice leader, consultant, expert practitioner, educator and researcher within a clinical specialty area. You will balance various roles depending upon the needs of the patient population and the healthcare team, collaborating on the provision of holistic and comprehensive care. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Master's degree in Nursing. 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).

Completion of an accredited Bachelor of Nursing program. Master’s Degree in Nursing required, with a specialization in Palliative Care preferred. 2-3years clinical experience working in the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist. 1-2 years of direct clinical experience in community setting, such as Palliative Home Care. A minimum of 5 years nursing experience relevant to palliative care in Acute Care, Community, and/or Hospice setting. A minimum of 3 years of formalized teaching experience with demonstrated capacity in establishing knowledge transfer. Demonstrated knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles. Demonstrated advanced assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills. Demonstrated leadership, organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated program development skills. Ability to travel within the City of Calgary.

CNA - Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Nursing certification (CHPCN ©).