Discharge Nurse Access

We deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. Our advanced regional programs include Cancer Care and Cardiac Care and serve a broader population across the northern GTA and into Simcoe-Muskoka.Our team of nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students and Patient and Family Advisors are committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen. As a recognition of our commitment to quality and patient safety, we have received the highest distinction of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada. Job Summary The Discharge Nurse plays a crucial role in coordinating patient discharge across multiple inpatient programs. This position is based in the Surgical Program but reports to the Patient Access & Flow Department. This role may involve working in other clinical areas/programs to provide discharge planning support and expertise. Education will be provided to the other areas ensuring that every patient has a comprehensive discharge plan tailored to their needs. The Discharge Nurse ensures a consistent, hospital-wide approach to discharge planning, optimizing patient flow, improving patient care outcomes, and supporting the hospital’s broader goals of timely discharge and length of stay reduction. As a member of the interprofessional health care team, the Discharge Nurse plays a key role in Southlake’s purpose of “Building healthy communities through outstanding care, innovate partnerships, and amazing people” by living the Southlake values and upholding the hospital Code of Conduct. Primary Responsibilities Discharge Planning: Facilitate the development and implementation of a patient-centered discharge plan within 24 hours of admission. Engage with patients and families to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to home or another care facility. Corporate Collaboration: Work with clinical teams on inpatient units to ensure adherence to corporate discharge policies and procedures. Participate in discharge rounds, case conferences, and daily patient flow meetings. Patient Education: Provide clear, concise education and information to patients, families, and caregivers regarding the discharge plan, ensuring understanding of follow-up care, prescriptions, and other post-discharge requirements. Interprofessional Liaison: Act as a key liaison between internal and external healthcare partners, ensuring the timely transfer of information for referrals and follow-up care. Address any barriers to discharge, including escalation of Alternative Level of Care (ALC) issues. Documentation and Data Management: Ensure that all discharge-related activities are documented in Meditech and other relevant systems. Contribute to hospital-wide performance metrics related to discharge planning, patient flow, and bed utilization. Corporate Leadership: Champion corporate initiatives related to discharge planning and patient flow. Ensure that discharge processes align with hospital goals for length of stay and resource utilization. Training and Education: Support and educate clinical staff on best practices in discharge planning. Provide ongoing training to ensure consistency and compliance with corporate discharge protocols. Quality Improvement: Participate in quality assurance initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing discharge processes and patient outcomes. Engage with teams to address readmission risks and improve patient flow. Qualifications • Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario • Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing preferred • Minimum five (5) years Acute Surgical nursing experience required • Two (2) years' experience in discharge planning or equivalent preferred • Two (2) years’ leadership experience in roles such as Charge Nurse or Team Lead required • Current knowledge of Southlake's Transition Pathways or external hospital equivalent; working knowledge of community supports and external partners • Must have the ability to assist & support clinical patient care • Assist and support in day-to-day clinical care activity, as required • Collaborative working relationship with an interprofessional health care team. • Effective communication and counselling skills • Strong commitment to Patient and Family Centered Care • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Excellent interpersonal skills • Demonstrates a strong patient and customer focused philosophy in all interactions • Possess the ability to implement strategies that effectively facilitate change. • Demonstrates clinical decision-making and organizational skills • Demonstrated commitment to customer service and teamwork • Demonstrated individual leadership skills Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.