Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychosocial Oncology

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: Replacement
Site: Princess Margaret Hospital
Department: PM Nursing Leadership
Reports to: Director, Professional Practice
Salary: $50.98 - $63.72 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Status: Permanent Full Time
Closing Date: October 4, 2026
Position Summary:
Psychosocial Oncology is a specialty in cancer care focused on the impact of cancer upon the whole person including the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual and functional aspects of the illness experience. The Psychosocial Oncology division of the Department of Supportive Care is an integrated, multidisciplinary team of clinicians that work together to meet the psychosocial needs of Princess Margaret patients and families from diagnosis, throughout the trajectory of illness.
Individuals with cancer and severe mental illness (SMI) are a constituency of patients facing disparities of care affecting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Patients with SMI who develop cancer have unique psychosocial and medical needs and concerns during their illness trajectory. The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role within the psychosocial oncology program will aim to reduce the health disparities experienced by individuals with cancer and severe and persistent mental illness.
Duties
Provide advanced nursing care to inpatients and outpatients with cancer and co-occurring severe mental illness
Conduct comprehensive screening and assessment of oncology patients undergoing active cancer treatment, including assessment of the needs of their essential caregivers
Collaborate with the interprofessional team to develop proactive, integrated patient care plans addressing the complexities of cancer treatment and severe mental illness
Support the development and implementation of a team-based model of cancer mental health care to address gaps in care for this vulnerable patient population
Participate in multidisciplinary outpatient cancer mental health clinics
Respond to Code Whites and urgent mental health concerns identified by cancer care teams
Provide clinical leadership and consultation to strengthen the delivery of integrated cancer and mental health care
Lead and contribute to activities across the domains of advanced nursing practice, including Clinical Practice, Leadership, Research, Collaboration and Change Agent
Establish program and role evaluation metrics and support ongoing data collection and evaluation
Participate in and contribute to research and quality improvement activities related to cancer and mental health care
Develop, deliver and participate in education and professional development activities
Build capacity within the cancer program by providing education, consultation and support to enhance care for patients with cancer and severe mental illness
Completion of a Master’s degree program in Nursing or recognized equivalent.
Demonstrated expertise as a Clinical Nurse Specialist preferred.
Experience with patients with severe and persistent mental illness preferred.
Program development skills preferred.
Experience in nursing research methodology
Eligible for cross-appointment to an academic institution
Current certificate of registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Certification in Oncology Nursing and/or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing preferred
Membership in the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) and other organizations relevant to the role preferred
Knowledge of data management programs
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Effective interpersonal and customer services skills
Excellent organization and time management skills
Excellent decision making, problem recognition and problem solving skills
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Program planning and evaluation methodology skills
Commitment to collaborative practice
Ability to work effectively independently and under stressful conditions
Ability to work in a self-directed manner
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple demands
Ability to utilize information technology
Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support required

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No