Social Medicine RN - UHN, Toronto

AI Summary

The University Health Network (UHN) is seeking a Social Medicine Registered Nurse in Toronto, Ontario. This role provides essential community-based clinical care to patients with complex health and social needs, focusing on wound care and chronic disease management. The successful candidate will work within the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, supporting marginalized populations. Key requirements include current CNO registration as an RN, over three years of clinical experience, and expertise in chronic wound care.

About the Opportunity at UHN

The University Health Network (UHN) is dedicated to providing high-quality and equitable care for all patients across Toronto, particularly those experiencing significant health disparities. This commitment is exemplified by the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine and Population Health, which aims to bridge health services with the broader social environment of UHN’s most medically and socially complex patients. As a Social Medicine Registered Nurse, you will play a pivotal role in transforming how care is delivered to marginalized populations, working directly within community settings such as the Stabilization and Connection Centre, Social Medicine Hub, mobile health vans, and Dunn House. This innovative program applies a social determinants of health approach, co-designing and scaling data-driven initiatives that lead to better health outcomes for the community. You will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with Social Medicine Nurse Practitioners, Community Health Workers, and Peer Support Workers to deliver integrated, person-centred care. This unique opportunity allows a clinical professional to actively shape the scope and direction of nursing practice within a groundbreaking social medicine program at UHN, directly impacting the lives of vulnerable patients.

Key Responsibilities and Impact

In this dynamic Social Medicine Registered Nurse role, you will deliver comprehensive primary and episodic care directly to patients in non-traditional clinical environments throughout Toronto. A significant aspect of your work will involve providing specialized wound care, chronic disease management, and harm reduction support, ensuring patients receive the critical health services they need. You will exercise autonomous nursing practice, utilizing sound clinical judgment to assess, monitor, and respond to patient needs independently, often in unpredictable and dynamic settings. The role also involves supporting mobile outreach services with the Mobile Health Clinic team, engaging clients who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare. Furthermore, you will act as a health equity advocate, identifying systemic barriers to care and championing access to essential services such as housing, mental health supports, and substance use programs alongside community organizations. Team collaboration is crucial, as you will work closely with other UHN care teams and community partners to deliver high-quality, continuous care, participating in interdisciplinary care planning and case reviews. Your dedication will directly contribute to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of the community's most vulnerable patients.

Qualifications for this Clinical Role

To excel in this impactful Social Medicine Registered Nurse position at University Health Network, candidates must possess current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Nurse. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) is preferred, and additional certifications or training in mental health, addictions, offloading, complex wound management, or chronic disease management would be a significant asset. Applicants should bring at least three years of clinical experience, ideally within community health, primary care, harm reduction, emergency, mental health, crisis nursing, or street outreach nursing. Demonstrated expertise in chronic wound care, including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and lower extremity assessment and management, is essential. The successful candidate will exhibit strong clinical assessment skills and a proven ability to work autonomously, confidently exercising clinical judgment in diverse settings. A high level of comfort working with structurally marginalized populations, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and chronic illness, is paramount. Familiarity with community-based health and social resources, an understanding of the social determinants of health, and a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe, and anti-oppressive care are also required. Finally, a valid Ontario Driver’s License (G-class) and the ability to travel across Toronto for patient visits are necessary for this community-focused role.