Discharge Nurse - Emergency Department

Southlake Health Community • Newmarket, ON

9d • CA$43 - CA$60 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Discharge Nurse plays a crucial role in coordinating patient discharge across multiple inpatient programs. This position is based in the Emergency Department but reports to the Patient Access & Flow Department. This role may involve working in other clinical areas/programs to provide discharge planning support and expertise. Education will be provided to the other areas ensuring that every patient has a comprehensive discharge plan tailored to their needs. The Discharge Nurse ensures a consistent, hospital-wide approach to discharge planning, optimizing patient flow, improving patient care outcomes, and supporting the hospital’s broader goals of timely discharge and length of stay reduction. As a member of the interprofessional health care team, the Discharge Nurse plays a key role in Southlake’s purpose of “Building healthy communities through outstanding care, innovate partnerships, and amazing people” by living the Southlake values and upholding the hospital Code of Conduct.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Minimum five (5) years Emergency department nursing experience required
• Two (2) years’ leadership experience in roles such as Charge Nurse or Team Lead
• Current knowledge of Southlake's Transition Pathways or external hospital equivalent, working knowledge of community supports and external partners
• Must have the ability to assist & support clinical patient care
• Assist and support in day-to-day clinical care activity, as required
• Collaborative working relationship with an interprofessional health care team.
• Effective communication and counselling skills
• Strong commitment to Patient and Family Centered Care
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates a strong patient and customer focused philosophy in all interactions
• Possess the ability to implement strategies that effectively facilitate change.
• Demonstrates clinical decision-making and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and teamwork
• Demonstrated individual leadership skills
• Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Southlake Health.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position.
• Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide.
• Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer.
• Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy.

Nice To Haves

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing preferred
• Two (2) years' experience in discharge planning or equivalent preferred

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development and implementation of a patient-centered discharge plan within 24 hours of admission.
• Engage with patients and families to ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to home or another care facility.
• Work with clinical teams on inpatient units to ensure adherence to corporate discharge policies and procedures.
• Participate in discharge rounds, case conferences, and daily patient flow meetings.
• Provide clear, concise education and information to patients, families, and caregivers regarding the discharge plan, ensuring understanding of follow-up care, prescriptions, and other post-discharge requirements.
• Act as a key liaison between internal and external healthcare partners, ensuring the timely transfer of information for referrals and follow-up care.
• Address any barriers to discharge, including escalation of Alternative Level of Care (ALC) issues.
• Ensure that all discharge-related activities are documented in Meditech and other relevant systems.
• Contribute to hospital-wide performance metrics related to discharge planning, patient flow, and bed utilization.
• Champion corporate initiatives related to discharge planning and patient flow.
• Ensure that discharge processes align with hospital goals for length of stay and resource utilization.
• Support and educate clinical staff on best practices in discharge planning.
• Provide ongoing training to ensure consistency and compliance with corporate discharge protocols.
• Participate in quality assurance initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing discharge processes and patient outcomes.
• Engage with teams to address readmission risks and improve patient flow.

Benefits

• Progressive health and dental benefit plans.
• HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing.
• Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree