Clinical Nurse Specialist

Grand River Hospital; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist to lead evidence-based, senior-friendly care. This role emphasizes collaboration and innovation, ensuring high-quality outcomes through data-driven practices. As a key contributor, you will mentor teams, develop educational programs, and integrate research into practice. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact patient care positively within a supportive and inclusive environment, making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Join a dedicated team committed to enhancing healthcare delivery and patient experiences.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Nursing with a focus on advanced practice.
• 3+ years of clinical experience with senior patients.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate collection of patient health data.
• Educate staff on documentation and reporting protocols.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for optimal care.

Skills

Evidence-Based Practice

Data Collection

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication Skills

Assessment Skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Nursing

Certification in Gerontology

Certification in Rehabilitation

Tools

Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS)

National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS)

Job description

Location:

Freeport Campus

Work Type:

Full Time

Shift:

Non Union - WHRN @ Chicopee (Formerly Grand River Hospital, Freeport Campus)

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we aim to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note:

New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, and proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at WRHN. All new employees require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before beginning any position.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Program Director of Complex Continuing Care (CCC), Rehabilitation, and Transitional Care Services (TCU), the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides professional practice leadership to enhance outcome-based measurement and best practices in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based, senior-friendly care.

The CNS plays a key role in optimizing the use of the Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) and National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS) to support patient recovery, maximize functional independence, and advance professional practice standards. The role includes supporting data collection for these systems.

Responsibilities

The CNS responsibilities include:

• Data Collection & Accuracy: Ensuring accurate and timely collection of patient health data, collaborating with healthcare teams, and validating data for completeness.
• Supporting Best Practices: Using data to identify trends and advocate for evidence-based care.
• Training & Education: Educating staff on documentation and reporting protocols, emphasizing the importance of accurate data for patient outcomes.
• Quality Improvement & Compliance: Ensuring adherence to standards and regulations, and using data insights for quality initiatives.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with physicians, therapists, data analysts, and other stakeholders to optimize assessments and care plans, supporting system improvements.

This role encompasses inpatient and outpatient responsibilities, focusing on leveraging data insights for evidence-based, senior-friendly care.

The CNS acts as a:

• Leader in clinical best practices and innovation.
• Mentor supporting interprofessional team development.
• Facilitator promoting collaboration and system improvements.

The CNS collaborates closely with leadership and serves as a liaison to ensure a coordinated approach to senior care organization-wide.

Key Areas of Accountability

Practice: Lead evidence-based senior-friendly care development and provide expert consultation.
Education: Develop and deliver educational programs aligned with WRHN Nursing Model.
Leadership: Develop policies, manage clinical resources, and support quality improvement.
Research & Innovation: Integrate research into practice, promote dissemination of findings.
Strategic Planning: Align initiatives with organizational goals, support system-wide advancements.

The CNS ensures a safe, high-quality care environment, fostering excellence in complex continuing care and rehabilitation.

Position Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing (MScN) or equivalent, with a focus on advanced practice, clinical specialization, or leadership.
• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
• Preferred certifications in Gerontology, Rehabilitation, or Advanced Practice Nursing.
• Minimum 3+ years of clinical experience with senior patients.
• Experience in leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based practice.
• Expertise in outcome measurement, CCRS, and NRS systems.
• Experience with policy development, quality initiatives, and interdisciplinary leadership.
• Strong assessment, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to justify capital purchases, support research, and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to patient-centered care and diversity.
• Additional assets include studies in adult learning, health education, and computer-based care processes.

Application Instructions

Employees must submit applications electronically via INFOR. Internal candidates will be prioritized per collective agreement. WRHN values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Accommodations are available during recruitment as per legal requirements.

International Applicants: Review work permit restrictions and additional steps required for healthcare employment in Canada. Ensure compliance with specific work permit restrictions.

We appreciate all applicants' interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Confirmation of receipt is not provided due to application volume.