Work Type: Temporary Part Time until November 3, 2026
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Wound, Ostomy & Continence (WOC)
Location:
· WRHN @ Midtown and Chicopee
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, empowered 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 strive 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, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.
Position Summary :
The successful candidate will practice according to the Canadian Nurses Association Advanced Practice Nursing framework to assess, plan, implement and evaluate needs for patients with complex wound, ostomy, and/or continence issues. Services are provided in consultation and in collaboration with all members of the health care team.
The CNS – WOC will practice according to the framework for Advanced Nursing Practice as set out by the CNA. The CNS – WOC will work closely with leadership to outline the goals of the WOC program. The successful candidate will adapt well to change and can manage not only competing priorities, but changing priorities. The CNS – WOC may be assigned work not outlined below, but as it relates to the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Program. This position reports to Professional Practice Leadership
Responsibilities:
- Providing consultative service to inpatients requiring expert WOC care
- Coordinating the provision of expert nursing care to patients as it pertains to their WOC needs
- Reviewing WOC related safety events and provide expert recommendation for systems improvement
- Leading quality improvement initiatives and the development and implementation of standards/clinical guidelines that support evidence informed practice/care
- Participating as Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) Champion Lead for Pressure Ulcer Prevention.
- Collaborating to address quality, safety, and risk management issues, including the development of improvement plans
- Leading program development and new models of care delivery for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Program in collaboration with leadership and interprofessional teams
- Providing expert knowledge and professional practice leadership to develop solutions/service delivery models for exceptional care
- Development and management of WOC related medical directives, policies, procedures and standard work
- Reviewing WOC related metrics and analyze for improvements to develop the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Program
- Ensuring planning and evaluation processes to support safe, effective and quality programs and services
- Planning, implementing, maintaining and monitoring appropriate databases for outcome management
- Providing expert consultation as a member of the interprofessional team and participate in the planning and coordinating of care, particularly in complex situations
- Providing mentorship and support by acting as a resource for staff
- Contributing to business development initiatives as required and participate in product review related to wound, ostomy, and continence products
- Providing leadership to Wound, Ostomy and Continence Program as an expert in WOC care
- Collaborating closely with leadership team to:
facilitate ongoing WOC initiatives both within the organization and across the community
ensure the implementation and sustainability of exemplary clinical practices
- Participating in identifying and coordinating WOC research opportunities and dissemination
- Seeking opportunities to show case our “best practice” initiatives.
- Providing care giver and patient education to patient undergoing treatment as it pertains to their WOC needs
- Developing and delivering curriculum related to the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Program to staff, medical staff, and medical residents
- Support staff to develop, implement and evaluate the care plan related to WOC issues
Position Requirements:
- Masters preparation in Nursing or an equivalent clinical Master’s degree e.g. Master of Advanced Practice in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (MC-ADVPRC), Master’s in Wound Care (or enrollment in Master’s program with intention to complete)
- Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing
- NSWOC or equivalent certification required
- Recent Wound, Ostomy, Continence clinical expertise required
- Studies in adult learning and health education an asset
- Demonstrated transformational leadership skills, team facilitation and effective communication
- Advanced knowledge in developing, implementing and evaluating computer based patient care processes
- Promote an environment that fosters clinical excellence
- Demonstrated experience in the planning and development of the department goals, hospital strategic plan, mission, vision and values
- Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills required to interact with patients, health professionals, other service providers and families is essential
- Demonstrated organization and project management skills
Application Instructions:
EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.
As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.
Waterloo Regional Health Centre is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.
Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
International Applicants
If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.
We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.
WRHN does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants during our recruitment and selection process.
