Clinical Nurse Specialist - Palliative Care Program

The University Health Network, where “above all else the needs of patients come first”, encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, West Park Healthcare Center and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of “Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning”, the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.  Find out about our purpose, values and principles here.

Union: Non-Union 
Site: Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network
Department: Collaborative Academic Practice
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Status: Temporary Full-Time (until September 2025)
Closing Date:  November 7, 2024

We are currently seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist-Palliative Care Program

As an integral member of the interprofessional Palliative Care team at the Toronto General, and reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Practice, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will work collaboratively with the team(s) involved in the plan of care of in-patients referred to the Palliative Care Consult Service. In this role, you will complete patient consultations in collaboration with the attending palliative care physician to determine a plan of care. You will foster an environment where the palliative care team works collaboratively with the attending team(s) to meet the needs of the patient and family.

Other responsibilities include participating in research activities; delivering, coordinating and participating in education and professional development activities/programs; and performing activities to further advance and strengthen palliative care competencies with the interprofessional team and particularly nursing professionals. You will engage in unit leadership activities to advance the practice of nursing at Toronto General and contribute to the program goals that will align with the strategic priorities of UHN.

The emphasis on each of these separate domains of the role may vary over time in response to the evolving priorities.

• Completion of a graduate degree (Masters in Nursing required)
• A minimum of 3- 5 years relevant palliative care experience
• Completion of a Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) program
• Current Certificate of (licensure)/registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Certification in Hospice Palliative Care preferred
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer services skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills, prioritize multiple requests
• Excellent decision making, problem recognition and problem solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Program planning and evaluation methodology skills
• Commitment to collaborative interprofessional practice
• Ability to work effectively independently in a self-directed manner and under rapid change conditions and high patient volumes
• Ability to utilize information technology and patient electronic health information system

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment and opportunity for remote work 
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.