Nursing and Health Policy Analyst: Nursing (NP preferred)

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary function of RNAO’s Nursing and Health Policy Analyst: Nursing (NP preferred)

is the development of evidence-based public policy, consistent with RNAO’s values, that advances RNAO’s mission to:

• represent registered nurses (RN), nurse practitioners (NP) and nursing students in Ontario
• advocate for healthy public policy, promote excellence in nursing practice, and
• power nurses to actively influence and shape decisions that affect the profession and the public we serve.

RNAO believes health is a resource for everyday living and that health care is a universal human right. RNAO respects human dignity and is committed to diversity, inclusivity, equity, social justice and democracy. RNAO believes the leadership of every nurse advances individual and collective health.

The Nursing and Health Policy Analyst: Nursing focuses on:

• the development of policy related to nursing education and practice and the regulation of nursing
• the roles and contributions of RNs and NPs in the health system

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research:

• Primary research in the form of surveys, focus groups and interviews
• Literature reviews and other forms of secondary research
• Monitoring a broad range of publications – including but not limited to research and evidence-based policy documents - from relevant organizations
• Monitor activities and developments of the College of Nurses of Ontario as well as other regulatory colleges and organizations overseeing the regulation of health professionals in Ontario and other jurisdictions
• Identification and monitoring of trends and developments in:
  • clinical nursing practice – RNs and NPs -- research, education and administration, including scope of practice, advanced nursing practice issues and/or NP matters
  • clinical practice, research, education and administration of other health professions, including scope of practice
  • regulation and professional standards for health professionals in Ontario and other jurisdictions
• Identification, monitoring and analysis of data sources, including identification and tracking of key performance indicators
• Monitoring and analyzing existing and proposed legislation, regulations and policy and other documents affecting nursing practice (e.g., coroner’s inquests) to determine the impact on nursing and nurses and provide recommended response

Policy development:

• Assessment of current developments and trends in nursing practice and the regulation of health professionals in the context of RNAO’s values and vision for Ontario’s health system, as well as broader and historical system trends and developments
• Interpret, synthesize, and integrate health data and a broad range of research to provide recommendations to guide policy and programming decisions
• Provide advice and guidance on critical practice related to RNs, NPs and nursing students
• Develop and maintain cooperative, collaborative and strategic relationships with internal and external partners
• Consultation with internal and external stakeholders, including RNAO chapters, regions and interest groups
• Develop policy recommendations and strategies to actively enhance the role of RNs and NPs in all practice settings and in all functions
• Synthesize complex information into a wide range of written and visual communication products such as reports, submissions, letters and position statements – and formulate policy accordingly

Advocacy:

• Mobilize chapters and interest groups to advocate for healthy public policy and the role of registered nurses and nurse practitioners
• Support RNAO signature advocacy events – e.g., Queen’s Park Day, Take Your MPP to Work, Queen’s Park on the Road
• Identify and recommend opportunities for political action to advance RNAO public policy
• In collaboration with internal stakeholders – e.g., communications department, information management and technology department, chapters, regions and interest groups – develop campaigns
• Translate RNAO policy into written materials supporting RNAO political action – e.g., action alerts, letters to the editor, op-eds, social media, fact sheets and political action bulletins

Other duties as required include:

• Support the organization of RNAO’s annual NP Knowledge Exchange and NP Symposium and other events, workshops and webinars
• Lead RNAO’s participation in the Palliative Care Facilitated Access Program
• Work with other RNAO departments (such as communications or information management and technology) to create data visualization graphics
• Participate on committees and work groups related to nursing practice issues and represent and communicate RNAO’s policy position to such groups
• Promote RNAO’s positions on nursing by developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, other associations and civil society partners, by representing RNAO in committees and other venues
• Respond to nursing practice enquires from members and participate in nursing practice advisory committees
• Provide advice and guidance to staff and members in relationship to nursing and health policy, research and advocacy

Qualifications:

Required:

• RN (EC) - NP (preferred) with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (preferred)
• Strong understanding of and commitment to RNAO’s mission and values
• In-depth knowledge of College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards and Quality Assurance requirements
• Broad knowledge of the health system
• Broad knowledge of the regulatory regime that governs health professionals in Ontario
• Broad knowledge of the nursing education system
• Excellent writing skills and ability to adapt writing style to specific tasks
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort with quantitative research methods and analysis
• Skilled in priority-setting, with efficient time and project management skills
• Exceptional organizational skills – ability to juggle multiple duties and projects and meet both tight and longer-term deadlines
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment
• In-depth knowledge of College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards and Quality Assurance requirements
• Minimum three years of work experience with at least two years in clinical nursing practice, preferably as an NP
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Preferred:

• Experience working in public policy
• Social, environmental and/or community activism
• Knowledge of political and legislative processes
• Robust data analytical and visual presenting skills