Specialist, Organ & Tissue Donation - Ontario Health, Toronto

AI Summary

Ontario Health, through its Trillium Gift of Life Network, is seeking a temporary full-time Registered Nurse as a Specialist, Organ & Tissue Donation. This hospital-based role in the Toronto and surrounding area involves guiding the organ and tissue donation process and developing hospital policy. Key duties include clinical assessments, family approach, and medical donor management. Top requirements include current College of Nurses of Ontario registration, critical care or relevant donation experience, a valid G driver’s licence, and strong communication skills.

About the Opportunity with Ontario Health

Ontario Health is dedicated to connecting the health system to drive improved and equitable health outcomes, experiences, and value for all residents. As a Specialist, Organ & Tissue Donation, you will play a pivotal role within the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), a vital part of Ontario Health. This temporary full-time position, available for 12 or 18 months, is based in a hospital setting within the Toronto and surrounding area, offering a unique chance to make a profound impact on the lives of many. Your expertise will be crucial in supporting the intricate process of organ and tissue donation, ensuring best practices are followed and that every potential donor's family has the opportunity to contribute to lifesaving care. This role is central to Ontario's commitment to enhancing public health through compassionate and effective donation programs.

Key Responsibilities in Organ and Tissue Donation

As a Specialist, Organ & Tissue Donation, you will act as the primary TGLN liaison in designated hospitals, guiding the development and implementation of hospital policy to support an effective organ and tissue donation program. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire donation process, from identifying potential donors through referral indicators to assessing donor suitability and determining death. You will facilitate the sensitive approach and consent discussions with families, providing essential care and support during challenging days. Medical donor management will be a key focus, optimizing organ yield for recipient transplantation. This role also involves fostering strong partnerships with hospital administration and health care providers, maintaining the hospital referral base, and implementing strategies to improve performance outcomes in organ and tissue donation across Ontario. You will collect and report data to TGLN, negotiate operating room resources for donor organ recovery surgery, and ensure adherence to Health Canada directives for the safety of the organ and tissue supply. This position requires participation in an on-call rotation and working 8-hour shifts, including days and afternoons, as clinical needs dictate.

Qualifications, Benefits, and Work Environment

To be successful in this critical health care role, you will need a Nursing Diploma or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, along with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. A minimum of three years of critical care experience, or relevant organ and tissue donation experience, is a significant asset. A valid G driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle are essential for travel within the Toronto and surrounding area hospitals. Candidates must demonstrate compassionate and professional leadership skills, be self-directed, and capable of functioning collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, showing sensitivity to spiritual, cultural, and other relevant contexts of care. Ontario Health offers a comprehensive benefits package from day one, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision benefits, flexible health care or wellness spending accounts, and a premium defined benefit pension plan. Employees also receive competitive vacation entitlement, three personal days, and two float days annually, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Ongoing learning and career development opportunities are provided within a collaborative, values-driven workplace that fosters belonging and equity.