Nurse Practitioner

Life at Kensington Health  

At Kensington Health, we are proud to have built a community where people can bring their full selves to work. As a not-for-profit, we believe in the work we do every day. It's what motivates us, inspires, and propels our bold vision forward: a better life for everyone.  

Diversity is at the heart of who we are and at Kensington, we celebrate our differences, knowing that creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces in healthcare strengthens our bold vision: building a better life for everyone. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are guided by our DEI Strategy as we continuously strive to offer equal opportunities for all.  

Our people are what make Kensington Health such a special place to work, learn, and grow and delivering exceptional health care to our community – and beyond – is what keeps people here for years. Interested in reimagining community-delivered care with us? Check out our open roles! 

Kensington Health Perks  

• Generous benefits package that includes employer-paid health plan and vacation. 

• Free, confidential mental health and wellness support services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

• Located near the vibrant and diverse Kensington Market neighbourhood, boasting a 99 Walk Score & 97 Public Transit Score. 

• An environment that supports and fosters healthy work-life balance. 

Job Overview  

Reporting to the Director, Professional Practice and Infection Prevention and Control, the Nurse Practitioner, is a key member of the interdisciplinary care team. As an evidence-based consulting practitioner, this role provides assessment, the provision of care for and the treatment of people with health conditions by supportive, preventive, therapeutic and palliative means to optimize function and quality of life. The people served are typically adults within the long-term care home, in-residence hospice or community. 

Responsibilities  

Clinical Care:  

• The following care responsibilities will be provided through the lens of trauma-informed care, which is intended to ensure that care practices acknowledge this experience and meet the emotional and psychological needs of the people being served. The specific responsibilities are as follows: 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including physical exams, health histories, and diagnostic evaluations tailored to the person’s goals of care (e.g., may include advanced care planning, eligibility for medical assistance in dying, etc.). 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans, ensuring a holistic approach that incorporates physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. 

• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals (e.g., dyspnea, delirium, etc.). 

• Prescribe medications and treatments in accordance with regulatory standards and guidelines.  

• Perform minor procedures and interventions as required.  

• Provide palliative and end-of-life care in alignment with the wishes of the person being served and/or their substitute decision maker(s).  

• Collaborate with members of the internal interdisciplinary team and external health system partners to facilitate seamless transitions across the health system when indicated (e.g. hospitals, Ontario Health at Home, and other community-based service providers). 

• Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences and team meetings related to resident care. 

• Provide emotional support to residents and families in collaboration with other members of the interdisciplinary team. 

• Participate in the resolution of ethical dilemmas while ensuring the process aligns with the organization’s ethical decision-making framework. 

Education and Teaching:  

• Educate residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members on health promotion, disease prevention, management of chronic conditions, end-of-life principles, etc. 

• Lead clinical education and training initiatives in alignment with educational priorities established by the organization. 

• Support the advancement of the nursing profession through preceptorship of nurse practitioner students. 

• Support a learning environment by participating in the education of medical learners and other health professions (e.g. personal support workers, allied health, health administration, etc.) when assigned to Kensington Health. 

Quality, Safety and Research:  

• Lead and/or participate in the achievement of quality improvement goals and objectives (e.g. annual quality improvement plans). 

• Promote a just safety culture through participation in reporting and safety incident reviews. 

• Participate in research, developing and implementing practice innovations. 

• Foster a workplace free of violence and harassment and promote workplace safety by escalating issues and supporting teams to act when indicated. 

• Evaluate and implement evidence-based practices to continually improve quality of care and clinical outcomes. 

Other:  

• Participates in various initiatives that advance the strategic priorities of Kensington Health (e.g., committees, task forces, etc.). 

Qualifications  

Required Skills and Abilities:  

• Demonstrated, strong clinical assessment, diagnostic and decision-making skills required. 

• Patience, flexibility, and exceptional interpersonal skills. 

• Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 

• Ability to demonstrates composure under pressure while meeting multiple and competing deadlines. 

• Demonstrates high level of initiative, self-direction and commitment to ongoing learning. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, and clinical information systems (e.g. Point Click Care). 

Required Knowledge and Experience:  

• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner, preferably in long-term care, gerontology, chronic disease management, and/or hospice palliative care depending on assignment. 

• Experience working with structurally vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges, is an asset. 

• Knowledge of indigenous cultural safety, harm reduction principles, and mental health/substance use considerations is preferred.  

• Knowledge of relevant Ontario legislation and regulations (e.g. Health Care Consent Act, Fixing Long-term Care Act, Connecting Care Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.). 

Required Professional Designation/Certificate:  

• Master’s degree in nursing with a combined Nurse Practitioner certificate from an accredited program (i.e. NP- Adult or NP- Primary Health Care).  

• Current registration as a Nurse Practitioner (i.e., NP- Adult or NP- Primary Health Care) with the College of Nurses of Ontario; must be in good standing. 

• Certification in point of care ultrasound device use, gerontology, and/or hospice palliative care nursing are assets.