Covenant Health
Assistant Head Nurse
Your Opportunity:
Reporting to the Perioperative Unit Manager, the AHN provides clinical leadership including functional supervision of RNs, LPNs, and general support staff on the unit. The AHN promotes and models leadership competencies, by demonstrating good judgement and critical thinking skills, developing, and maintaining strong nursing practice in the designated surgical specialty. The AHN fosters team effectiveness by demonstrating multifaceted interpersonal skills, communicating effectively, and seeking to resolve staff issues. The position critically assesses, evaluates, and anticipates risks to patient and team safety and promotes the development of clinical practice improvements and supports the implementation of evidence-based practice. The AHN develops a supportive environment for multidisciplinary learning. The AHN collaborates with the Perioperative Unit Manager on performance concerns and safety issues. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the AHN is expected to maintain current clinical competence within perioperative services and remain knowledgeable of evolving practices, workflows, and standards of care. The incumbent demonstrates the ability to provide direct clinical support, including break relief, staffing coverage, and operational assistance, when required to support safe and effective patient care delivery.
Description:
Description: The Assistant Head Nurse (AHN) provides effective clinical leadership, functional supervision and, as needed, performs front line Registered Nursing duties. The AHN promotes and models leadership competencies by demonstrating good judgement and critical thinking skills, and developing and maintaining strong nursing practice in the designated scope of practice. The AHN fosters team effectiveness, demonstrating excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, communicating effectively and seeking to resolve staff issues. The AHN develops a supportive environment for multidisciplinary learning. This position is covered by the terms and conditions of the UNA Collective Agreement.
- Classification: Assistant Head Nurse
- Union: COV UNA
- Unit and Program: Operating Room
- Primary Location: Grey Nuns Community Hospital
- Location Details: As Per Location
- Multi-Site: At (UNA only)
- FTE: 1.00
- Posting End Date: 23-OCT-2026
- Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits
- Date Available: 23-NOV-2026
- Temporary End Date: 31-JAN-2028
- Hours per Shift: 7.75
- Length of Shift in weeks: 12
- Shifts per cycle: 57
- Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings, Weekends, On Call
- Days Off: As Per Rotation
- Minimum Salary: $46.05
- Maximum Salary: $63.02
- Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable
Required Qualifications: Graduate of a Registered Nurse program or recognized equivalent required. Active registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) or College of Registered Psychiatric Nurse of Alberta (CRPNA) is required. Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (Level C) required.
Additional Required Qualifications:Perioperative Nursing Certification course or CNA certification required. Years of relevant experience will be considered. Years of nursing experience will be considered. Minimum of five (5) years’ current experience in an acute care Operating Room required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both spoken and written. Proven problem solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent assessment and organizational skills. Computer skills include experience with electronic charting and Microsoft Outlook. Must be able to lift 25lbs and have the physical ability to push, pull, bend, and stand for prolonged periods of time (more than 30 minutes).
Preferred Qualifications:Previous AHN experience, team lead, Charge nurse experience preferred. Significant clinical experience in overseeing a surgical service specialty preferred. Committed to safe, effective, and ethical patient care and work practices. Able to deescalate tense situations. Ability to participate as an effective member of and lead the interprofessional team. Good conflict resolution skills. Exercises good judgment in decision making.
Source: official Covenant Health career portal · Requisition 598262