Nursing and health policy analyst: Health System

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary function of the nursing and health policy analyst (Health System) is the development of evidence-based public policy, consistent with RNAO’s values, that advances RNAO’s mission to:

• represent registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario
• advocate for healthy public policy, promote excellence in nursing practice, and
• empower nurses to actively influence and shape decisions that affect the profession and the public they 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: Health System focuses on:

• the development of public policy related to various sectors and continua of health care delivery
• the roles and contributions of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in care delivery, and
• nursing policy issues that arise out of system-wide and specific care delivery settings

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research:

• Primary research in the form of surveys, focus groups and interviews
• Literature reviews and other forms of review
• Monitoring research and evidence-based policy documents from relevant organizations
• Identification, monitoring and analysis of data sources, including identification and tracking of key performance indicators
• Review of existing and proposed legislation, regulations and policy

Policy development:

• Assess current developments and trends in the context of
  • RNAO’s values and vision for Ontario’s health system, and
  • broader and historical system trends and developments
• Interpret, synthesize, and integrate health data and research evidence to provide recommendations to guide policy and programming decisions
• Develop and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners
• Consultation with internal and external partners, including RNAO Chapters, Regions and Interest Groups
• Develop policy recommendations
• Synthesize complex information into a wide range of written and visual communication products such as reports, submissions, letters, position statements – and formulate policy accordingly

Advocacy:

• Mobilize chapters and interest groups to proactively advocate for healthy public policy and the role of registered nurses.
• 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 partners– e.g., communications department, IMT department, Chapters, Regions and Interest Groups - develop campaigns to advance RNAO policy
• Translate RNAO policy into written materials supporting RNAO political action – e.g., action alerts, letters to the editor, opeds, social media, fact sheets and political action bulletins

Other duties as related to the role may include:

• Work with policy team coordinator to ensure that presentation and storage/filing of work meets RNAO and policy team protocol and requirements
• Work with other RNAO departments such as Communications or IM&T to create data visualization graphics
• Participate on committees, working groups and communities of practice and represent and communicate RNAO’s policy position to such groups
• Respond to nursing practice enquires from members
• Provide advice and guidance to staff and members related to role
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Strong understanding of and commitment to RNAO’s mission and values
• Master’s degree in public health or nursing or equivalent experience
• Broad knowledge of public health issues and determinants of health
• Excellent writing skills and ability to adapt writing style to task
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort with quantitative research methods and analysis
• Skilled in priority-setting, 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 nursing practice
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to 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