Chief Nursing Officer - Government of Nunavut

Title: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Salary: $120,779 - $ 172,539 per annum

Department: Health

Northern Allowance: $16,008 per annum

Community: Iqaluit

Union Status: Senior Management- Excluded

Reference Number: 10-12194

Housing: Subsidized Staff Housing is Available

A high-profile, high-impact mandate within Nunavut’s Department of Health for a motivated executive and relationship-builder who welcomes the opportunity to exert significant influence on the Nunavut’s health system. A vital part of the leadership team envisions: “the well-being of all Nunavummiut, with individuals leading productive lives in self-reliant and healthy communities throughout the territory.”

Officially founded in 1999, Nunavut exists where tradition meets progress. Much of the Territory has inherited millennia of the history and culture of Inuit. Rooted in this rich tradition, the Government of Nunavut (GN) prepares for a prosperous future by investing in high-quality education, health care, culture, environmental protection, and industry growth.

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the most senior nursing leadership position within the Department of Health and is a member of the Executive Management Committee. Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Operations, you will be responsible for planning, establishing, implementing, and monitoring quality nursing services throughout the Territory. The CNO provides executive nursing leadership, expertise and strategic direction to varying levels of government to ensure Nunavummiut have equitable access to high quality, culturally informed, value based care. You will be responsible for implementing a territorial nursing strategy and expert advice to the Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister Operations on design, delivery and utilization of nursing services in the territory.

The Government of Nunavut’s governmental and departmental goals, vision and priorities drive the CNO’s activities. This position is accountable for providing management and leadership to the assigned team of direct reports. This team is responsible for assisting the CNO in the development, implementation and evaluation of Health Education programs, quality clinical nursing policies, clinical nursing programs and standards; the monitoring and maintenance of clinical competencies; the allocation of nursing resources; the development and delivery of clinical nursing training; and the recruitment and retention of a qualified, casual nursing pool.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a senior nursing professional with a strong working knowledge of emerging health trends in Nunavut and Canadian society, the unique needs of remote community health care service provision, nursing policy and practices.

The activities of the incoming CNO will impact both inter and intra departmental divisions with the goal of continuously improving the patient experience and healthcare excellence. Conversant with the latest trends in nursing and health care administration, you should be well equipped to lead teams of stakeholders and work closely with nurses in both direct and indirect clinical roles, the territorial nursing regulatory body (RNANT/NU), Physician Services, Nunavut Employees Union, Nunavut Arctic College, Human Resources and other territorial departments to ensure health care excellence within the Territory. These relationships are critical to effecting change and improvements to the overall health care system, not just nursing services. In addition, as CNO, you should be prepared to provide clinical support to regions within the scope of a Registered Nurse.

As the new CNO, it will be your mission to provide strategic direction and expertise on nursing policy, education, recruitment and retention, health care program delivery, and quality improvement and risk management initiatives. Your focus will be to ensure that Inuit Societal Values are a core consideration in health care delivery in all endeavours. The CNO will be accountable for the supervision and executive leadership of the Nursing Resource Team (Nursing Locum Program Manager, Territorial Health Education Manager, Territorial NP Consultant). These resources are accountable for the oversight and coordination of a range of activities that promote excellence in nursing practice.

Given the scope of this role, you will have proven experience in the management of healthcare professionals and an in-depth understanding of financial budgets, contract administration, and project management. As CNO, you should also have familiarity with adult learning principles and practices, including nursing education and training programs. An effective communicator, orally and in writing, you are adept at interpreting and communicating health care data, policies and legislation. In addition, you will be capable of preparing concise and accurate documentation at a standard acceptable to national health care organizations and Cabinet.

You will have acquired expertise through post-graduate studies in Nursing (or equivalent health-related fields) and at least seven (7) years of clinical nursing practice. Nursing experience in a northern or remote area would be considered an asset. In order to be eligible, your current registration as a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner must be in good standing with RNANT/NU. You must also have no fewer than five (5) years of management experience, including working as a Chief Nursing Officer, Senior Nursing Policy Analyst, Chief Nursing Executive, or equivalent senior nursing role. Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

This role demands a collaborative, motivational and transformational leader recognized for their ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, build strong relationships and foster a cooperative environment within a health organization. Above all, you know how to effectively assess the impact of external change on health programs and services and move an organization toward continued improvement of programs and services to the public.

The Official Languages of Nunavut are Inuktitut (Inuinnaqtun), English and French. The ability to communicate in more than one of Nunavut’s official languages is an asset. Knowledge of the Inuit language, communities, culture, land, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is also an asset.

This senior position is based in Iqaluit, NU. It offers the opportunity to support the success and vitality of a vast and growing territory and the quality of life of its communities while enjoying a desirable compensation and benefits package. This is a Highly Sensitive Position. Criminal and Vulnerable Sector checks are required.

To apply to this territory-impacting executive role in nursing administration, submit your application to Phelps by clicking: https://bit.ly/40RRNlf

 Application deadline: March 23, 2023.

The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a more representative workforce so it can better understand and serve the needs of Nunavummiut. Priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit. Candidates must

clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Nunavut Priority Hiring Policy. While all responses will be appreciated and handled in the strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.

 

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