Southlake is building healthy communities through outstanding care, innovative partnerships, and amazing people. We deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. Our advanced regional programs include Cancer Care and Cardiac Care and serve a broader population across the northern GTA and into Simcoe-Muskoka.

Our team of nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students and Patient and Family Advisors are committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen. As a recognition of our commitment to quality and patient safety, we have received the highest distinction of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.

Job Summary

The Nurse Extern program will run until March 31, 2025. The Professional Practice Lead role is designed for a registered nursing professional (i.e., nurse practitioner/advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, or registered practical nurse).

The Professional Practice Lead role for the Ministry of Health Enhanced Extern Program will support the education and development of the Nurse Externs, provide mentorship, support, team integration, Extern coordination, and overall program implementation and evaluation.

Professional Practice (PP) Leads support the planning, education, and integration of Externs.
• PP Leads are responsible for supporting Nurse Externs’ practice and integration into the clinical area in accordance with organizational and professional standards, and in collaboration with clinical teams.
• Assist in establishing a clear onboarding and education pathway for Nurse Externs
• Ensure Nurse Extern clinical structures and reporting mechanisms are in place in the clinical area,
• Establish a structure for ongoing Nurse Extern and practice area support (e.g., debriefs, check‐ins, ongoing laddered education, issue resolution),
• Develop organizational guidelines for the Nurse Extern scope of practice, and support practice where required,
• Leverage existing clinical placement nursing students for Extern program, and
• Provide clear guidelines on the role of Externs as it relates to COVID‐19 positive patient care and outbreak response.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support integration of Externs at the organizational and unit level
• Contribute to Extern onboarding
• Create, adapt and deliver orientation and learning resources
• Aid in integration of team processes and role clarity
• Assist Externs to become familiar with the work in their new area of practice
• Support unit teams to collaborate with Externs to provide required patient care
• Maintain regular unit presence to support ongoing education needs and tracking of required skills attainment
• Provide ongoing monitoring and evaluations of Extern role
• Promote Extern staff wellness and team well‐being
• Serve as a liaison and conduit between the unit leadership, Professional Practice and Operations.

Qualifications

• In good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Excellent clinical skills and competencies
• Outstanding communication skills
• Previous experience teaching, working with learners and/or preceptoring required
• Previous experience as Clinical Instructor or placement supervisor preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, change management, and problem‐solving skills
• Recent patient care experience required
• Recent acute care experience required
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills
• Demonstrates understanding of infection prevention and control practices
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrates computer literacy
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and clients within a challenging and exciting health care environment
• Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Southlake Regional Health Centre
o Always with compassion
o Power of many
o Serve with purpose
o Every voice matters
o Courage to think differently

As a condition of employment, you are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Hospital’s Occupational Health and Safety department. Successful candidates will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination (two doses) from the Ontario Ministry of Health website or other authorized source directly to the Occupational Health and Safety department. In the event that you are unable to be vaccinated as a result of a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written explanation of the ground and any supporting documentation to determine if you are exempt from this requirement to the recruitment team. A recruitment representative may follow up with you for further information if necessary.

At Southlake, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve, including those with disabilities. Southlake is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

It is the responsibility of all Southlake employees to work in a safe manner and promote health and safety in the workplace.