Nurse Practitioner - CNS Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre - Temporary full-time - 2026-18824

Summary of Duties

The Oncology Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions in an advanced nursing role within the Odette Cancer Centre, bringing specialized expertise in palliative care and symptom management to patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) cancers.   Demonstrating a high level of autonomy and clinical judgment, the NP is responsible for assessing, ordering diagnostic tests, and managing patients with complex cancer diagnoses while providing comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout treatment and towards end of life. 

Acting as a primary point of contact for oncology patients and referring healthcare teams, the NP practices in accordance with the philosophy, values, and standards of Sunnybrook, integrating advanced knowledge from nursing and medicine to support individuals throughout both their treatment as well as end-of-life care.  Comprehensive patient assessment and the provision of medical management through both direct and virtual patient/family interactions as well as collaboration with primary care providers are key components of this role.

The NP is also responsible for ensuring that patients with CNS malignancies are connected to appropriate community and supportive care resources. Given the complexity of this patient population, discussions regarding goals of care and advance care planning are of critical importance and will be integrated throughout the patient's care journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Practice within the full scope of the NP role conducting assessments, ordering diagnostic tests and developing and managing therapeutic care plans
• Perform patient assessments, including relevant health history, review of symptoms, functional assessment, assessment of psychosocial comorbidities and coping skills, assessment of toxicities related to cancer and its treatment, assessment of the impact of physical comorbidities on cancer symptoms and response to treatment, assessment of family supports and resources at home, pharmacologic assessment, review of relevant laboratory, pathology and radiographic data, system-specific physical exam
• Formulate a comprehensive evidence-based plan of care for patients including appropriate health education, symptom management strategies, prescriptions for chemotherapy, health maintenance and promotion, palliative care and referral to relevant specialists.
• Communicate with patients, families, and healthcare providers in clinic, over the phone and other virtual avenues.
• Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning and current evidence in decision making, planning and implementing care.
• Coordinate with nurses and interprofessional team to stimulate interest and provide innovative learning opportunities to integrate research findings, theory, and technique for advanced patient care
• Provide leadership in the development of quality improvement initiatives, policies and procedures and best practices.
• Collaborate with Interprofessional Team and unit leaders in coordinating and providing care for patients and to advance local, program and organizational goals and objectives
• Participate in professional development of staff

Qualifications/Skills:

• Current College of Nurses of Ontario registration in the extended class (EC) as an NP (adult) required
• Masters in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) or successful completion of a post Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program required
• Demonstrated clinical expertise and experience in CNS Oncology with relevant systemic oncology, ambulatory or acute care nursing experience preferred; palliative care experience an asset
• 3 years experience in Oncology as a Nurse Practitioner 
• Certification in Oncology Nursing or palliative care preferred or commitment to obtain certification when eligible
• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support required
• Expert knowledge and clinical skills in managing symptoms and complex patient care needs for patients receiving systemic therapy
• Ability to function collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and practice in a self-directed autonomous manner
• Excellent complex decision-making skills, interpersonal, team-building, leadership, and oral and written communication skills
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives, program development and/or research and evaluation skills