Clinical Nurse Specialist

Location: Freeport Campus Work Type: Full Time Shift: Non Union - WHRN @ Chicopee (Formerly Grand River Hospital, Freeport Campus) Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time. Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN. Position Summary : Reporting to the Program Director of Complex Continuing Care (CCC), Rehabilitation, and Transitional Care Services (TCU), the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides professional practice leadership to enhance outcome-based measurement and best practices in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based, senior-friendly care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist ( CNS) plays a key role in optimizing the use of the Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) and National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS) to support patient recovery, maximize functional independence, and advance professional practice standards. The CNS plays a crucial role in supporting data collection for the Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) and the National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS). Responsibilities: The CNS responsibilities in this area include: 1. Data Collection & Accuracy :

1. Ensuring accurate and timely collection of patient health data.
2. Collaborating with healthcare teams to gather comprehensive information.
3. Validating data for completeness and consistency before submission.
4. 2. Supporting Best Practices
5. Utilizing collected data to identify trends, patient needs, and areas for improvement.
6. Advocating for evidence-based practices in continuing and rehabilitative care.
7. 3. Training & Education
8. Educating clinical staff on proper documentation and data entry protocols.
9. Promoting awareness of the importance of accurate reporting for patient outcomes and healthcare planning.
10. 4. Quality Improvement & Compliance
11. Ensuring adherence to reporting standards and regulatory requirements.
12. Using data insights to drive quality improvement initiatives in patient care.
13. 5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
14. Working with physicians, therapists, and data analysts to optimize patient assessments and care plans.
15. Helping to interpret data trends for decision-making in clinical and administrative settings.
16. Working with Decision Support and Health Information Management to support on going improvements and implementation changes
17. By playing an active role in these reporting systems, the CNS helps improve patient care quality, resource allocation, and healthcare planning at both institutional and national levels.
18. This advanced practice nursing role encompasses both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities and focuses on leveraging data-driven insights to foster an evidence-based, senior-friendly care environment for patients and staff.
19. As a clinical expert specializing in senior-friendly care, the CNS serves as a: · Leader – Driving best practices and fostering innovation in clinical care.
20. Mentor – Supporting interprofessional teams in achieving high-quality patient outcomes and facilitating knowledge translation and continuous learning.
21. Facilitator – Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and system-wide improvements.
22. The CNS will collaborate closely with program leadership, including educators, while also serving as a key liaison with other WRHN services to ensure a coordinated, evidence-based approach to senior care across the organization.
23. Key Areas of Accountability
24. The CNS will demonstrate accountability in five key domains:
25. Practice:
26. · Provide clinical leadership in the development and implementation of evidence-based senior-friendly care practices within CCC, Rehab, and TCU services.
27. · Act as a resource for interdisciplinary teams, offering expert consultation on patient care and complex cases.
28. Education:
29. · Lead the development and implementation of a Professional Practice Model that aligns with the WRHN Nursing Model and supports best practices in CCC, Rehabilitation and Transitional Care Services.
30. · Develop and deliver educational initiatives for staff to enhance knowledge translation and competency in senior-friendly care.
31. Leadership:
32. · Drive the planning, development, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and clinical pathways to ensure safe, effective, and equitable services across CCC, Rehab, and TCU.
33. · Compile and coordinate capital purchases related to clinical equipment and resources, ensuring alignment with patient care needs and best practices.
34. · Collaborate with the Program Director, Clinical Managers, and Educators to support ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
35. Research & Innovation:
36. · Identify and integrate research opportunities into practice to enhance clinical outcomes and promote best practices in senior-friendly care.
37. · Support the dissemination of research findings to influence practice improvements and system-wide change.
38. Strategic Planning:
39. · Align practice initiatives with WRHN’s mission, vision, strategic objectives, and priorities.
40. · Provide recommendations for capital equipment acquisitions that support innovation and enhance patient care.
41. · Contribute to system-wide advancements in senior care, rehabilitation, and transitional services.
42. The CNS plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, high-quality care environment for patients, staff, and visitors while fostering a culture of excellence in complex continuing care and rehabilitation.
43. Position Requirements:
44. Master’s Degree in Nursing (MScN) required or equivalent with a focus on advanced practice, clinical specialization, or nursing leadership;
45. Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO);
46. Certification in Gerontology, Rehabilitation, or Advanced Practice Nursing preferred;
47. Minimum 3+ years of clinical nursing experience with the senior patient population;
48. Experience in an advance practice nursing role, including leadership, mentorship, and education;
49. Demonstrated expertise in senior-friendly care and evidence-based practice;
50. Strong background in outcome-based measurement and data analysis , with experience using CCRS (Continuing Care Reporting System) and NRS (National Rehabilitation Reporting System) .
51. Experience with policy development, program planning, and evaluation in a healthcare setting preferred;
52. Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in system-wide quality improvement initiatives ;
53. Advanced clinical assessment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills;
54. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence various stakeholders;
55. Ability to compile, coordinate, and justify capital purchases in alignment with clinical needs and organizational priorities;
56. Experience in teaching, mentoring, and coaching staff across different disciplines;
57. Ability to conduct and apply research to clinical practice, including knowledge translation strategies;
58. Strong project management and organizational skills to support multiple initiatives;
59. Commitment to patient-centered, equitable, and high-quality care ;
60. Studies in adult learning and health education an asset;
61. Advanced knowledge in developing and evaluating computer based patient care processes
62. Advanced written and verbal communication skills;
63. Computer proficiency (Microsoft word, MS Teams, e-mail, etc.)
64. Good attendance record.
65. Application Instructions:
66. EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.
67. As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.
68. Waterloo Regional Health Centre is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.
69. Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
70. International Applicants
71. If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.
72. We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.