Current Opportunities

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Addiction Services Manager, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) is responsible to provide comprehensive patient care using advanced assessment skills and a sound knowledge of clinical therapeutics. The NP provides direct and indirect comprehensive patient care services to support patient care in collaboration with various inter

Qualifications:

Qualifications

• Current police check within past 3 months (Required)
• Excellent clinical, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Project planning and evaluation skills would be an asset
• Retain clinical competence through relevant evidence-based research and legislation
• Demonstrate ability, commitment to and knowledge of community addictions and mental health care
• Provide non-urgent health care services within the NP’s full scope of practice to clients who encounter barriers to accessing primary health care; consults with collaborative physicians for clients with unstable/complex health conditions
• Assist with client transfers to the Emergency Department and complete referrals to other addiction services as required (e.g., RAAM Clinics)
• Collaborate with hospital and community partners in care planning
• Participate in the development of and work under current medical directives for the program
• Provide and evaluate holistic patient care based on advanced nursing and medical management knowledge and skills
• Exhibit knowledge of evidence-informed guidelines, legislation, regulation, and organizational policies when prescribing controlled drugs/substances (CDS)
• Demonstrate understanding of best practices related to the use of CDS and other pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options
• Excellent communication, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict management and time management skills
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team environment
• Perform comprehensive care using advanced health assessment, physical examination, therapeutic management, consultation, collaboration and referrals in accordance with the Practice Standard: Nurse Practitioner (2018)
• Maintain client records for accuracy and confidentiality
• Support the health needs of individuals with a history of addictions, mental health and other chronic illnesses; refer to specialists and community agencies as needed
• Demonstrate ability to deal effectively with sensitive issues with clients and families using a harm-reduction and trauma-informed approach
• Determine the need for follow-up appointments and assist with transfer of care to permanent primary health care services
• Work in partnership with primary care providers, community agencies and programs
• Coordinate service provision with other health care partners in the development of community care plans and wrap-around services
• Proficient in computer skills and experience with electronic medical record systems (e.g., PS Suites)
  
  

Withdrawal Management Specific Competencies

• Demonstrates an understanding of the neurobiology of addiction
• Advanced practice assessments and interventions for a diverse range of clients with addiction problems
• Assesses and manages patients with addictions who have co-existing health conditions including but not limited to mental health conditions, blood-borne diseases, and infections
• Advanced health assessment to identify clients’ emotional, cognitive and behavioural states, as well as level of anxiety, crisis states, indices of aggression, self-harm, suicide, risk to others, competency to care for self, and signs of substance abuse, addiction, and withdrawal
• Utilizes evidence-based interventions, including withdrawal and other medication management, to meet the needs of a diverse range of clients with addiction problems
• Provides care to persons experiencing an addiction and/or mental health condition that is recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, uses principles of harm reduction, and addresses social determinants of health
• Engages clients in strengths-based care that promotes resilience
• Provides education to individuals and families about addiction and its management
• Facilitates and engages in collaborative, inter- and intra-professional, and intersectoral practice when providing care for persons with an addiction
• Understands stigma as a barrier and assists and supports patients and families
• Demonstrates knowledge related to the process of voluntary and involuntary care
• Acts as a resource providing addiction-related clinical advice for health and other professionals, community groups, and clients and their families
• Advocates for persons experiencing an addiction
• Identifies and seeks new knowledge, skills, and supports related to care of patients with addictions and/or mental health conditions

Education and/or Certification:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse in the Extended Class (proof of registration required)
• Minimum of two to three years of community health care and/or primary care experience (Required)
• Master's Degree (Preferred)
• Experience in addiction medicine and harm reduction (Strongly recommended)
• Completion of the 6-hour Suboxone online education program (Recommended)
• Current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (Required)
• Successful completion of the Prescribing Narcotics and Controlled Substances course (copy of certification required)