Summary of Duties
The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is a registered nurse who has acquired expert knowledge, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for expanded practice through Masters-preparation. This advanced practice role involves applying nursing knowledge, theory, and research evidence to foster system-wide changes and advance nursing care and the profession as a whole (CNA, 2008). The APN contributes to the quality of person-centred care through the domains of: clinical practice, education, research, and leadership within an interprofessional environment. The emphasis on each aspect of the role may vary in response to the evolving priorities within the organization, the units, and health care in general.
The APN- Wound Care Specialist role will provide high quality, person centred care through the assessment and management of complex wound care needs. The individual will be a core member of an interprofessional Complex Wound Service team, with key functions including consultation, direct patient care, education, research and leadership as it relates to the needs of this specialized patient population. Evidence-based practice and knowledge transfer will be essential to this role. Critical thinking around patient care needs will be of utmost importance and the APN will work collaboratively with fellow APNs and interprofessional team members to ensure that patients and families receive safe, quality and efficient care. The APN must be flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing needs and priorities of this patient population. The APN will collect patient care metrics and workload data as required.

Working collaboratively with the health care team, the successful candidate will:

• Integrate evidence, best-practice requirements, and competency standards into nursing practice

• Advocate for and foster patient and family engagement

• Demonstrate leadership at the local (inpatient & outpatient) and system-wide (hospital) levels

• Manage conflict effectively and see through to positive resolution

• Work to create and maintain a safe working environment

• Provide education to patients, families, and other health care team providers as required

• Champion the integration of person-centered care initiatives within the defined work

• Collaborate effectively with interprofessional health care team members

• Be open to meeting the ever changing needs of patient care and organizational objectives

Qualifications

• Required current Ontario College of Nurses Certificate of competence and BCLS certificate.
• Preferred Master degree in Nursing or recognized equivalent
• Graduate of an accredited Wound, Ostomy, Continence Program (e.g. Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) or Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN) Education Program)
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOCC(C)) preferred
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience, including experience in an advance clinical practice role
• Comprehensive knowledge of the standards of practice and professional guidelines set forth by the College of Nurses of Ontario and the NSWOC Program
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, interpersonal, oral, and written skills
• Proven organizational & time management skills
• Ability to prioritize professional duties, manage multiple patients, and efficiently organize workload in collaboration with other Complex Wound Service team members
• Established understanding and ability to integrate concept of person-centered care
• Evidence of successful change management skills, including effective implementation & evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others
• Proven ability to adapt and work as an effective team member in a high pressure environment