Role Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reporting to the Director, Professional Practice, the Senior Practice Leader for Tuberculosis (TB) Services is a leader, innovator, knowledge translator and change agent who is accountable for promoting excellence in nursing practice and quality of patient care.   The scope of practice of the Senior Practice Leader (SPL) is both broad and complex, encompassing program coordination, consultation, education, dissemination of research and administration across the Health Authorities and the province. The incumbent possesses expertise in advanced communication, leadership and expert problem solving skills. The SPL advances knowledge creation and uptake by engaging in or supporting the use of current research, evidence/best practice standards in order to address professional, program and concerns. The SPL for TB Services is an advanced practitioner who works as an independent specialist and as part of multi-disciplinary teams responsible for provincial TB programs and communicable disease surveillance and investigation, control policy and procedure, consultation, education and research.

Key Accountabilities

• Acts as a resource and consultant for local, provincial and national planning in the area of TB at the program, organizational, provincial, national and international levels.
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of provincial guidelines and standards of practices for the delivery of communicable diseases control programs in collaboration with the CPS Leadership, other members of the team and stakeholders.
• Promotes evidenced-based practice and shares knowledge about current research and literature including innovation in practice as it relates to TB. Establishes opportunities to support staff in implementing evidence based practice. Conducts applied research. Promotes and advances best practice through publications, presentations, and conferences.
• Provides leadership and expert clinical consultation to public health practitioners. Leads and supports knowledge translation and communication of best practices and successful programming for TB.
• Leads and supports development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of Decisions Support tools for TB in partnership and under guidance of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Provides leadership for the provincial implementation and evaluation of new and expanded TB programs and innovative practices in these areas.
• Builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and negotiates and facilitates provincial collaboration. This includes collaboration with Health Authorities, Ministry of Health, First Nations Health Authority and public health practitioners.
• Plans, implements and evaluates appropriate educational programs based on ongoing needs assessment, in collaboration with educator, public health nurse resource and other professional staff.
• Provides leadership and expert advice on staffing and care delivery approaches through interdisciplinary collaborative practice. Reviews performance of assigned staff in accordance with care practice guidelines, analyzes staffing mix requirements and provides input on personnel matters: including hiring, termination, and handling of discipline issues.
• Pursues relationships with academic programs in university settings, with professional associations and with other organizations involved in TB programs and delivery.
• Represents BCCDC on external committees and with external bodies, including the Ministry of Health, as required.
• Scans the environment and the literature to identify emerging practice trends and challenges and implements strategies to address challenges. Leads and manages complex and innovative projects and initiatives and engages all disciplines to find solutions. Retains relevant clinical expertise in TB.

Qualifications

A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Nursing, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of recent, related clinical experience in TB and public health nursing in progressively senior leadership positions or advanced practice roles including experience in drafting guidelines and standards of practice. Eligible for registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).  

Strong facilitation skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work independently and as an effective member of an interdisciplinary care team. Demonstrated leadership through teaching, dissemination of research and mentoring. Strong problem solving skills within a complex challenging environment and across the health care system.