Clinical Scholar

Position Overview

Reporting to the Unit Manager and co-reporting to the Manager, Nursing and HHR Workforce Initiatives, and working collaboratively with the Clinical Resource Leader (CRL) and unit leadership, the Clinical Scholar is an experienced point of care nurse who is employed in a supernumerary position to focus exclusively on supporting and mentoring newly graduated nurses transition into the nursing workforce, in addition to Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and nurses seeking to enhance their competencies and skills. The Clinical Scholar will provide leadership, role modeling, clinical coaching and mentorship to ensure successful transition to practice and integration into the clinical team.

The Clinical Scholar guides and supports the novice nurse in providing safe, high quality, patient centred care, while demonstrating a commitment to excellence in supporting the patient and family experience. The Clinical Scholar, in collaboration with unit leadership, identifies the learning needs of new nurses and supports advancing their clinical practice, professionalism and what it means to be a member of a high performing team. This includes facilitating the development of critical thinking, self-reflective learning and skills in crucial conversations, while practicing in accordance with the College of Nurses’ (CNO) standards, MGH policies and procedures, and best practices. The Clinical Scholar also supports clinical practice changes in response to regulatory and organizational changes, safety incidents and other continuous quality improvement initiatives.

The Clinical Scholar obtains feedback from the new nurses to enable MGH to better support nursing resources and retention. Key to success is working alongside the novice nurse and having an ongoing presence on the clinical unit(s), providing timely, regular touch points with nurses to help them feel supported with appropriate education and resources. This includes tracking and documentation of skillset achievement, and providing ongoing monitoring, evaluation and feedback including the creation of learning goals and objectives.

This is a temporary Full Time role until March 31, 2024 (with the possibility of extension).

**Responsibilities**:
In collaboration with the CRL and clinical team, provides on-unit support, clinical coaching and mentorship to newly graduated nurses, supporting their successful transition to practice and integration into the clinical team.

Supports new nurses to practice to the full scope of their designation (Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse) within their level of competence.

In partnership with the CRL, ensures the delivery of safe, high quality, patient centred, professional nursing care by supporting new nurses to consistently utilize CNO standards, evidence-based practices and MGH policy and procedures (including risk screens, care plans, etc.).

Advances new nurses’ critical thinking and problem solving by providing leadership in the use and integration of the nursing process. This includes assessing (collecting and interpreting information), planning, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of nursing care.

Supports unit leadership in evaluating and advancing new nurses’ competencies, reporting concerns and supporting the implementation and evaluation of learning plans. Participates in data collection and reporting requirements as per ministry requirements for the Clinical Scholars program.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required

Master’s Degree in Nursing, Education or equivalent preferred

Member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification

Experience

Registered nurse who is recognized as a clinical expert in the area of practice

Minimum 7 years of clinical experience

Previous experience as a clinical instructor, nurse educator, preceptor, charge nurse or placement supervisor, working with clinical learners or orientating new staff

Proven ability to maintain impartiality, objectivity, diplomacy and confidentiality, seen as a role model

Demonstrated clinical expertise with the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to guide competent, evidence-based nursing practice that complies with the CNO Standards of Practice, MGH policies and best practice guidelines

Familiar with CNO Entry to Practice Competencies and Professional Nursing Standards

Demonstrated excellence in patient and family centred care and committed to enhancing the patient and family experience

Well-developed skills in assessing learning needs, assisting with developing and evaluating learning plans

Excellent communication skills, oral and written, with the ability to have difficult and supportive conversations that exemplify the MGH values of courage, compassion, integrity, inclusion and respect

Self-directed and highly motivated with excellent interpersonal skills and self-awareness of personal contributions to maintaining a pos