Job Description

Company Bio

Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) is an active, acute-care community hospital located in the heart of the City of Kawartha Lakes. Among our acute and continuing care services, our team cares for 45,000 patients per year in the 24/7/365 emergency department, provides orthopedics and ophthalmology, operates a dialysis unit, and is renowned for its mental health programs and restorative seniors care. The Ross family takes pride in providing compassionate, quality patient care.

Position Summary

The Geriatric, Palliative, and Behaviour Support RN is a new temporary role that integrates key elements of Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM), palliative care system navigation, behavioural support, and care planning for geriatric patients with dementia.

This nurse will be based in the Emergency Department and report to the Director of Emergency, Medicine, Critical Care, Patient Flow, Stroke, and Seniors Care.



The successful candidate will play a vital role in assessing patients with palliative diagnoses in the ED and will collaborate closely with the Palliative Care Unit and Kawartha Lakes Hospice to ensure patients are well-supported and connected to appropriate resources along their palliative care journey. Additionally, the nurse will conduct comprehensive assessments and develop care plans for patients presenting with dementia-related responsive behaviours. They will also serve as a consultant to inpatient units, offering expertise in behavioural support and care planning.




A key focus of this role is to support efforts to reduce hospital length of stay through admission avoidance strategies. This includes liaising with internal and external partners--such as hospital staff, Ontario Health at Home Care Coordinators, the Alzheimer Society, Community Paramedics, Community Care Home First, Hospice, and the Mental Health Crisis Team--to coordinate and integrate care plans that facilitate successful transitions, guided by a "home first" philosophy.



The nurse will also collaborate with and learn from the GEM nurse, providing coverage during absences and championing best practices in seniors care across the organization.

This temporary position requires a visionary nurse leader who brings flexibility, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills to support the development and success of this evolving role. Success will be measured against specific patient flow metrics.



The Emergency Department is currently seeking a Temporary Full-time Clinical Nurse Specialist Navigator to join their healthcare team.



Effective Date: August 11, 2025

Ending on or Before Date: March 31, 2026

Department/Unit/Program Description

RMH is a medium sized hospital that provides 24 hour care to Emergency Room patients. The Emergency department embraces the Hospital's vision by providing staff with an excellent, supportive, team environment where the clinical team can practice in a multi-disciplinary team, providing Exceptional Care - Together.

Essential Qualifications

Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario BScN Minimum of 3 years' experience in Geriatrics, Palliative and/or Emergency Nursing Demonstrated expertise in Palliative Care, Chronic Disease and Seniors Care including assessment, treatment and care plan development for older adults with dementia, neurodegenerative conditions, mental health or addictions issues who exhibit responsive behaviours. A strong clinical knowledge of dementia and its impacts on the person and their support system, with the and the ability to develop creating interventions Experience leading projects and training including building community linkages Proven ability to liaise effectively with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to foster collaboration and achieve complex outcomes Proven ability to practice independently and interdependently Excellent organizational, interpersonal, time management, problem solving and decision-making skills Proven ability to manage a diverse case load Excellent clinical skills in relation to Palliative Pain and Symptom Management, ability to support patients within their palliative care journey by connecting to community supports GPA Certified

Preferred Qualifications

Member of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) Post-baccalaureate education in nursing (including Masters Degree, certification in Gerontological Nursing or Palliative Care Certificate). Continuing education in managing responsive behaviours (ie., P.I.E.C.E.S certificate, Montessori Dementia Programming Familiarity with program development, evaluation and research methodology

Hours of Work

Must be able to work 12 hour day shifts Monday to Sunday, including statutory holidays. Shift hours may change according to departmental requirements and as per the ONA Collective Agreement.

Employment Equity

Ross Memorial Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process at the request of the applicant.



Employees must meet expectations for appropriate, respectful and professional conduct, as set out in the RMH Code of Conduct.