Nurse Practitioner - Addictions Services

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Addictions, is registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in the Extended Class. Reporting to the Director of Community & Population Health Services (CPHS), the NP will be instrumental in working with Program leadership and stakeholders to develop and execute strategic plans, and to advance best practices for operational excellence and sustainability. The NP will:
• Work in partnership with physicians, nurses and other members of the health care team ensuring comprehensive assessment, management and education of patients;
• Provide care to patients experiencing substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions that is recovery oriented, trauma-informed, utilizes principles of harm reduction and addresses social determinants of health; 
• Utilize evidence‐based interventions, including withdrawal and other medication management, to meet the needs of a diverse range of patients with substance use disorders;
• Act as a resource providing substance use‐related clinical advice to patients and their families, health and other professionals, and community partners;
• Coordinates seamless discharge from hospital to community;
• Act as an important communication link between patients and other service providers (e.g. primary care and other community partners) to ensure effective communication and the timely sharing of information necessary to promote the health and wellness of patients;
• Initiate, participate, and/or lead initiatives including program development, evaluation, and research. 
 

1. Current Certificate of Registration in the College of Nurses of Ontario Extended Class
2. Completion of a Master’s Degree in Nursing
3. Minimum of 5 years recent (within 2 years) clinical experience working with patients presenting to hospital with complex health and social care needs
4. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in withdrawal and other medication management of patients with a diverse range of substance use disorders including opioid agonist treatment
5. Certified in prescribing narcotics and controlled substances
6. Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidenced-based methods and practices with an emphasis on motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, health promotion and risk reduction
7. Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act, the Health Care Consent Act and other relevant legislation
8. Demonstrated experience in acute care preferred
9. Demonstrated experience in mental health and addictions required
10. Exhibits the ability to be open and non-judgmental
11. Demonstrated ability to critically appraise the literature, evaluate and implement best practice protocols
12. Demonstrated knowledge in quality improvement and the use of quality improvement methods and tools
13. Proven leadership abilities, including the ability to think strategically, influence decision making, affect culture and behaviour 
14. Proven effective communication and presentation skills
15. Proven success in implementing innovative, effective, value-added initiatives using change management and project management theory and frameworks
16. Demonstrated ability for independent action, initiative, problem solving, organization and prioritization
17. Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
18. Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adapt positively to constantly changing clinical situations
19. Demonstrated ability to utilize information technology
20. Current Ontario Driver’s License, with access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel within the City of Hamilton