Nursing Student - Palliative Care Mentorship

Position:  Nursing Student – Education Position

Status:  Temporary Part-Time (Academic Year Placement)

Location:  Windsor or Erie Shores

Reports to:  Manager, Hospice Residence

We ask that interested candidates please submit their applications by 9:00am on Tuesday August 18, 2026.

ABOUT THE HOSPICE OF WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY 

Founded to provide compassionate, clinical, end-of-life care, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. (Hospice) has been caring for our community since 1979. Hospice believes in equitable access to care for all. We provide specialized wrap-around services to adults, children, and their caregivers, in the setting of their choice – whether it be in our Residences or in their home.

With only partial government funding, it has been through the generous support of our volunteers and our community that we have continued to provide memorable care, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Nursing Student is dedicated to Hospice’s vision, mission, and values. They support and work towards achieving the strategic directions set out by the Board of Directors. They put their best efforts forward to promote the interests of our patients as well as contribute to a positive work culture.

The Nursing Student participates in a structured mentorship experience focused on end-of-life care, with an emphasis on enhancing clinical skills, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Student works alongside a Hospice staff nurse to enhance and apply school-based knowledge to real-life patient scenarios, and learn practical skills for working in a palliative care environment.

The schedule is flexible, based on the Student’s availability. They will be scheduled 8-12hr shifts on a part-time basis with a total compensation of $10,000 for the academic year.

Through this nursing mentorship, the Student will focus on the following learning objectives:

• Strengthen critical thinking
• Embrace collaboration and teamwork
• Improve overall communication skills
• Become comfortable engaging in goals of care conversations
• Enhance knowledge to assess and manage pain and other symptoms for individuals with a life-limiting illness
• Identify common symptoms of disease progression and the end-of-life process

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Learning and Practice

• Complete accurate assessments for pain and other symptoms at end-of-life using evidence informed screening tools such as OPQRSTUV, ESAS, and PPS.
• Establish understanding of pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom management under supervision.
• Demonstrate understanding of best practices in medication administration, including indications and side effects for commonly used palliative medications.
• Promote equity and inclusivity with any person including vulnerable, marginalized or underserviced populations.
• Communicate effectively with cultural sensitivity across diverse populations.
• Document care accurately in Cerner and participate in shift handoffs.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team and demonstrate understanding of team roles.
• Demonstrate accountability and responsibility in clinical practice.
• Demonstrate high emotional stability, continuous positivity and professionalism in their interactions with staff, patients and families.
• Participate in employee engagement initiatives and provide feedback to contribute to program development and quality improvement projects.

NOTE: This position profile is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain a reflective journal documenting learning experiences throughout the placement.
• Develop three (3) SMART goals and review progress regularly with the Residence Manager.
• Deliver one (1) educational session to staff.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accountable to the Manager, Hospice Residence.
• Accountable for performing in adherence to the Hospice Mission, Vision and Values.
• Accountable for adhering to Hospice Policies, professional behaviour and for ensuring review of such as required.
• Accountable for adherence to HPCO and CARF accreditation standards.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Hourly pay: $22.66, for a total compensation of up to $10,000 for the academic year
• Hospice is a proud member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). Available for enrollment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Valid Police Record Check including vulnerable sector check (within six months of hire, and declaration of offences as required).
  • French language skills are an asset.
  • Enrollment in a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) program.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to learn and apply feedback in a clinical setting.
  • Expressed interest in the field of palliative end-of-life care.
  • Physical ability to complete the demands of the role for a 12-hour shift
• TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Basic knowledge of nursing assessment and clinical care practices.
  • Familiarity with documentation practices and willingness to learn systems such as Oracle/Cerner.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted. The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Hospice throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

NOTE: This posting is being advertised to fill a current vacancy within the organization.