Assistant Head Nurse - Palliative Community Consultant

Edmonton Zone Palliative Community Consult Team consists of palliative physicians and nurse consultants who provide a clinical consultation for patients/families who are living with a life limiting disease and require support for symptom management, coordination of care, hospice or tertiary palliative care unit admission. The Palliative Nurse Consultant (NC) practices collaboratively with Palliative Care Physician Consults and members of interdisciplinary teams to support primary care providers in delivering quality palliative care. The NC assesses for symptom management and admission to hospice in community settings including homes, continuing care and suburban rural community hospitals. The NC provides leadership in palliative care nursing through demonstrating expertise in practice, consultation and education. Responsibilities Assesses the physical and psychosocial condition of patients for complex symptom management and hospice admission. Collaborates with a physician consultant in providing consultative support including recommendation of treatment of care to referring physicians, nurses, interdisciplinary staff and community resources. Collaborates with Most Responsible Care Providers, nurses, pharmacists, acute care and other allied health professionals across multiple sites to support problem-solving for complex client situations, provide advanced in time learning and support the delivery of quality palliative care for community clients. Supports transitions in care by assessing for and supporting admission into hospice or the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit. This includes collaboration with hospice operations and community program areas to support clients as they await hospice admission. Participates in the delivery of informal and formal education for professionals across the continuum of care in the EZ as it relates to palliative care.

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. 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). PLEASE NOTE: This posting is scheduled to close at 23:59 MT of the posting end date but may be filled earlier if a Regular Employee who holds a position within the unit, program, or office expresses their interest in this vacancy by 23:59 MT on the 5th calendar day following the posting date, under LOU #25. In the event that no Regular Employee from this workplace expresses their interest by the deadline, the vacancy shall be filled under the provisions of Article 14: Promotions, Transfers and Vacancies. Please be advised this posting may be used to fill multiple identical vacancies arising as a result of the administration of the Trial of Modified Posting Provisions.

Baccalaureate degree in nursing. 3 to 5 years palliative care experience. Strong to expert knowledge of symptom management and psychosocial support in the care of palliative care patients and families. The successful candidate will work independently in client’s homes and must be physically capable of performing nursing tasks, which could include transfer of clients, carrying supplies and/or medical bags weighing up to 25-30 pounds. This position requires a vehicle for business use. Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle in good repair for work-related travel is required.

Master's degree in nursing or related field preferred. CNA certification in palliative care, gerontology and or oncology an asset. Knowledge of delivery of care in the community, as well as education and research experience preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated initiative, leadership, problem solving and interpersonal skills including public speaking.