Director, Nurse Practitioners

Position Summary
In accordance with the established vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Northern Health, the Director, Nurse Practitioners provides leadership, facilitation and coordination to a variety of strategies that support the clinical practice development, implementation, and evaluation of Nurse Practitioner (NP) professional practice.

The Director, Nurse Practitioners role includes but is not limited to, the development of NP roles within Northern Health, attention to quality clinical support, the development of NP quality practice environments, professional development and education within Northern Health (NH) for Nurse Practitioners.

The Director, Nurse Practitioners establishes partnerships and working relationships with organizations external to NH that have an impact on NP practice. This includes, but is not limited to, professional organizations (British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives, Nurse and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia), educational institutions, and other Health Authorities, Divisions of Family Practice and Medical Staff Associations. The Director, NPs participates in collaborative planning with Medical Directors, Executive Leads, Medical Leads, physicians, specialists, and managers within the context of an integrated system of services built upon a foundation of primary care.

Qualfications
Education and Experience
-Completion of an approved master's degree level Nurse Practitioner program.
-Current practicing registration as a Nurse Practitioner with British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
-Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in administrative and advanced nursing leadership roles, including a minimum of five (5) years' experience as a Nurse Practitioner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs and planned changes.
-Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various groups and agencies.
-Commitment to client/patient-focused care.
-Project management and community development skills.
-Ability to lead, develop, teach, coach, mentor, and evaluate staff.
-Skilled in interpersonal, oral, written, and presentation communication.
-Ability to work independently as well as to lead and work within a team.
-Demonstrated analytical and critical-thinking skills.
-Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging healthcare and nursing practice issues at the provincial and national levels.
-Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients/clients/residents and families about health findings, diagnoses, treatment, self-care, and prognoses.
-Ability to collaborate, consult with, and formally refer patients/clients/residents to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate.
-Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices and the ability to introduce education and evidence-based research.
-Ability to assess and recognize population health trends and to plan and implement strategies for population-based prevention and health promotion.
-Ability to self-direct, interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations.
-Ability to identify and respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient/resident/client care.
-Ability to self-assess performance and assume responsibility and accountability for own professional development.