Clinical Nurse Specialist – Brain Program

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. 

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality. 

www.uhn.ca 

Union: Non-Union

Number of vacancies: 1

New or Replacement Position: Replacement

Site: Toronto Rehab - University Centre

Department: Collaborative Academic Practice, Brain Program

Reports to: Director of Professional Practice

Salary Range: $97,227 - $121,514

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Shifts: Days

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Closing Date: February 27, 2026

Position Summary

This CNS position, based within TR’s Brain Program, will be part of both the Professional Practice Leadership and the Brain Program Leadership teams.  The CNS will be responsible for liaising with all program inpatient units and outpatient clinics located at TR’s University Centre (UC) site. The successful candidate will further have the opportunity to contribute to clinical quality improvement initiatives and participate in program development. They should be able to demonstrate understanding of, compliance with, and commitment to UHN values, patient safety, and best practices in order to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff.

Duties

• Proactively assist clinical teams in addressing patient care issues and clinical concerns
• Ensure clinical interventions are aligned with best practices
• Support education and academic practice, student mentorship, and research activities
• Provide expertise in the care of medically and behaviorally complex individuals
• Facilitate assessments of patients referred for complex behavioural or medical issues (often related to a stroke or other acquired brain injury, for example)
• Support the inter-professional care team in developing their own assessment skills, patient care plans and clinical interventions, while also providing support to patients and their families
• Liaise with wound care experts to address any patient wound and skin issues
• Build capacity with staff related to the management of both chronic and acute medical/neurological and behavioral issues
• Consult with other specialty services and supports, such as psychiatry or wound care, as required

• Master's degree in Nursing required
• Current Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RN in the General Class required, and able to practice nursing without restriction
• Completion of a Basic Cardiac Life Support (B.C.L.S.) program required                          
•  Minimum 3-5 years recent clinical experience in acute or rehab inpatient setting required
• Crisis intervention training, TIDES training (trauma-informed de-escalation techniques) or additional clinical specialization in behavioural health considered an asset

• CNA Specialty Certification in Neurology or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing also considered assets

• Prior experience as a CNS in a specified clinical specialty program also preferred

• Advanced knowledge of the interplay of mental health and medical conditions

• Knowledge of professional trends, scope and standards of practice, and relevant legislation

• Demonstrated knowledge base and advanced level of clinical competence in working with patients with complex and chronic neurological health issues

• Highly developed oral and written communication skills

• Previous experience in designing or facilitating teaching/educational initiatives

• Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills

• Demonstrated ability to act as a resource and consultant to clinicians and interprofessional team members

• Demonstrated self-directed, critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Demonstrated organizational, presentation and leadership skills

• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development

• Patient/Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with diversity and appreciate that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring richness to the challenge or situation at hand

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration. 

 

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.