Position Overview

The Cardiac and Heart Function Rehabilitation Programs provide an inpatient and outpatient service to patients with cardiovascular disease and heart failure (including cardiothoracic surgical patients). The main role of a registered nurse in the program is to provide high quality care, advanced nursing assessment skills, education, support and counselling to individuals and patient groups at risk of or affected by cardiovascular disease and heart failure. The program works alongside a multidisciplinary team utilising their skills, to deliver a holistic model of care. Education around optimal self-management principles is provided, using and supported by evidence-based practices. The service is delivered in the inpatient and outpatient setting, in the early stages after discharge and during the entirety of the patient’s attendance at cardiac or heart function rehabilitation.

The position is part-time Monday to Friday (days negotiable) for 23 hours per week, working across both Canberra and North Canberra Hospitals. The role will include clinical work within the existing Cardiac and Heart Function Rehabilitation teams, as well as supporting the CRAMS-2 project.

CRAMS-2 (Cardiac Rehabilitation for TIA and Mild Stroke) is a study that aims to improve cardiac rehab referral and participation rates for patients who have had confirmed TIA or mild stroke.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide holistic patient care by delivering advanced clinical assessment, planning, implementing, and monitoring of patient health care needs in accordance with existing practice standards and guidelines.
2. Provide leadership and experience by facilitating the delivery of safe and excellent care to patients, to achieve best practice health outcomes.
3. Supports education within the clinical area with evidence of a commitment to the fostering of a learning culture through, active contribution to specialty area specific education and training of self and others, knowledge of current trends and the dissemination of knowledge to staff in the area.
4. Contributes to effective communication processes to effectively work in a team environment in a diverse range of situations, including negotiation and consultation to achieve desired outcomes.
5. Participates in the development, review and maintenance of clinical standards, policies and protocols, continuous quality improvement and clinical research.
6. Work in collaboration with the CRAMS-2 Project Manager to:
   • Assist with the utilisation of project implementation strategies.
   • Work with the neurology and cardiology clinical teams to identify appropriate patients.
   • Act as a clinical champion for the CRAMS-2 project.
   • Assist in the collection of data for implementation outcomes and process measures.
   • Problem-solve any on-site research issues.
7. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership and communication skills, and the ability to actively contribute to a positive team culture.
• Participate in quality initiatives.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet patients’ needs.
• Highly organised and motivated, and able to work autonomously.
• Strong ability to work in partnership with a wide array of both internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience or interest in research.

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Mandatory

• Tertiary qualification in nursing.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse.
• A minimum of 3 years (fulltime equivalent) working as a Registered Nurse.
• Good knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.

Highly Desirable

• Prior experience in neurology, cardiology or cardiac rehab nursing highly desirable.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:.

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven ability to provide a range of advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in direct patient care for patients with cardiovascular disease, utilising the nursing process, and incorporating a risk assessment approach while working within professional legislation and existing policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrated leadership, advanced organisational and problem-solving abilities to ensure effective, efficient, and appropriate decision making in health care delivery.
3. Demonstrated experience in providing educational activities within the clinical area with evidence of a commitment to the fostering of a learning culture, through active contribution including quality improvement activities.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and appropriately to work within a multi-disciplinary team, to achieve coordination of complex care for patients and their families in a diverse range of situations.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health, and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work Environment Description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.