Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurse will provide comprehensive, specialized and advanced nursing care for patients in the emergency department. This role will be primarily responsible for leading a team-based approach in the Emergency Department to care for frail seniors, as well as providing service for comprehensive assessments and care planning for patients with complex health issues. The candidate will practice within the interprofessional team model and be responsible for promoting best practices in care of older adults and for excellence in the care of older patients in the emergency department. Through clinical consultation, staff education and research, the GEM Nurse will promote best practices in seniors care within the Emergency Department and across the organization. The successful candidate will liaise with other hospital, community, long-term care services in Hamilton. GEM nurses provide an expert clinical resource in hospital Emergency Departments. Their focus is on those frail seniors who are at risk of suffering adverse events, loss of independence and admission to hospital or long-term care. GEM nurses provide expert and targeted assessment and treatment services in the Emergency Department; they enhance linkage with hospital and community services and are advocates for the frail seniors they serve. As well, in their role as geriatrics educators and capacity builders within the ED, the hospital and the community, GEM nurses help to build the systems capacity to ensure that frail seniors at risk receive the right care in the right place, at the right time. This position will report to both the Director of the Emergency, Critical Care & Oncology Program and the Chief of Interprofessional Practice, while working directly with the Clinical Manager of the Juravinski Emergency Department.

1. Current registration, in good standing, with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse.
2. Masters degree in Nursing with clinical expertise in geriatric care.
3. Recent, minimum 5 years , geriatric emergency care.
4. Experience in developing and implementing strategies to prevent cognitive and functional decline.
5. Demonstrated expertise in enhancing the care of the frail elderly within an emergency department and/or acute care environment.
6. Knowledge and expertise around the various community resources, such as CCAC, and discharge planning processes to transition patients home or for further care.
7. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication and coaching skills to work with the team and patients and families.
8. Excellent decision making, problem recognition and problem solving skills.
9. Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional development.
10. A strong desire and capacity to promote interprofessional practice and excellence.
11. Experience leading Quality Improvement initiatives.
12. Experience in Clinical Research, Research Methods and Knowledge Translation.
13. Faculty appointment within the School of Nursing, or eligibility for faculty appointment.
14. National certification in gerontology nursing from the Canadian Nurses Association, preferred
15. Specialty certifications related to the area of geriatrics, preferred.
16. Demonstrated commitment to a safe environment for staff, patients and families by working in compliance with hospital related policies, health and safety regulations and completing mandated training and educational sessions as required.