Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgery and Medical Device Reprocessing

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) contributes to the development of knowledge, the ongoing improvement of practice, and quality service in the area of specialty through the demonstration of leadership; the development of educational programming; participation in research; and the development of new knowledge, formal and informal education delivery, and expert clinical consultation. The CNS provides leadership and focuses on improving outcomes and quality of care by advancing nursing and interdisciplinary practice in the area of specialty through the use of advanced and evidence-based practice. In consultation with interdisciplinary team members, the CNS will take a lead role in developing frameworks and strategies to facilitate the implementation of best practices for the area of specialty. This includes evaluating research and monitoring, updating, and revising related standards, policies, and procedures.

Reporting to the Network Director, Surgical Services, the Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice nurse accountable for improving client, population, and health system outcomes by integrating knowledge, skills, and expertise in clinical care, research, leadership, consultation, education, and collaboration. The CNS functions both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members in all aspects of this role.

The Interior Health (IH) Surgical Network is responsible for leading surgical services strategic and systems planning for the Health Authority and aligns provincial and Health Authority performance goals through strategic direction, policy, management, and appropriate use of resources to ensure accountability for surgical services and health system performance. The Network builds and ensures collaborative partnerships between hospitals and the Network and provides support and direction to aid sites in meeting strategic initiatives and objectives; collaborates with and brings together physicians and healthcare providers to achieve meaningful system improvements and to develop innovative solutions focused on timely access to high-quality surgical services for a better patient experience. For the purposes of the CNS role, Surgical Services encompasses any of the following areas: OR Booking, Pre-Surgical Screening (PSS), Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD), Endoscopy, Operating Room (OR), Post Anesthesia Recovery Room (PARR), Daycare Surgery (DCS), and Surgical Inpatient Units.

Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Nursing from a recognized university is required.
• A minimum of five years of recent, related experience in the clinical specialty area.
• Current practicing registration with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC).
• Previous teaching experience is preferred.
• A valid British Columbia Driver’s License.

Competencies

• IH Emotional Intelligence Competencies

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated extensive clinical experience and in-depth knowledge within the specialty area.
• Demonstrated ability to guide individuals toward the vision of the organization while fostering teamwork and commitment to excellence in the provision of care.
• Diplomacy and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and support change that is consistent with the vision, purpose, and operating principles of IH.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to identify variances and implement strategies that lead to desired outcomes.
• Ability to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate patient care outcomes.
• Ability to apply the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking, decision-making skills, and systems analysis.
• Ability to define own continuing education needs and maintain competency through membership and participation in professional specialty organizations, attendance at annual national conferences, local educational workshops/seminars, video-conferencing, and through regular literature review.
• Ability to operate related medical/computer equipment and computer programs (i.e., word processing, e-mail, internet, Excel basic spreadsheets).
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.