Clinical Nurse Specialist- Adult Genetics Program

Position Summary

As an integral member of the nursing leadership team, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of program-based and central programs that impact nursing practice.

The CNS, utilizing advanced knowledge of a patient population and their care needs, associated processes of care, and a systems and professional practice perspective, plays a key leadership role in programmatic, organizational and professional initiatives—both internal and external to the organization. These activities fall within the domains of advanced practice nursing as defined by the UHN Framework for Advanced Nursing Practice: Clinical Practice, Leadership, Scholarship, Collaboration and Change Agent

The Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult Genetics Program, Metabolic Genetics is a CNS role with both direct and indirect patient care responsibilities. Using specialized knowledge and training, the CNS will provide comprehensive assessment and management of care needs for patients with an actual or suspected metabolic genetic condition. In order to address gaps in the current model of care for this vulnerable population, the CNS in collaboration with the interprofessional team, will develop individualized patient care plans addressing the medical and psychosocial complexities of the disease.

Duties

Utilize advanced clinical judgment and nursing knowledge to provide standardized comprehensive screening, assessment, and development of holistic patient-specific care plans
Provide navigation support to patients and their caregivers throughout the care process, particularly during significant care transitions
Facilitate referrals to additional resources and services using pathways established by the CNS in collaboration with hospital and community-based partners
Build capacity by providing education and mentorship to the interprofessional team to promote best practices in care delivery for this population
Identify and/or develop resources in collaboration with hospital and community-based partners to meet patient and caregiver needs
Engage in nursing leadership activities at local, national, and international levels to increase knowledge of the complex care needs of patients and their caregivers coping with a metabolic condition
In collaboration with the interprofessional team, establish metrics for the CNS role and participate in research activities to demonstrate its impact on patient and caregiver outcomes

Qualifications
Completion of a Master’s Degree in Nursing or recognized equivalent
Current Certificate of (licensure)/registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario
Relevant experience in adult genetics preferred, with a focus on inherited metabolic diseases
Demonstrates continuing education in adult genetics preferred
Experience in patient education, case management, and program development preferred
Experience in nursing research methodology
Eligible for cross-appointment to an academic institution
Knowledge of data management programs
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Effective interpersonal and customer services skills
Excellent organization and time management skills
Excellent decision making, problem recognition and problem solving skills
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Program planning and evaluation methodology skills
Commitment to collaborative practice
Ability to work effectively independently and under stressful conditions
Ability to work in a self directed manner
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple demands
Ability to utilize information technology
Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support required