Position Title: Lower Limb Preservation Nurse – Full Time Temporary (24 months) with opportunity for permanent placement.
Reports to: NDFHT Executive Director
Wage: Hourly range $28.00 to $40.30 (37.5 hours/week or 1 FTE)
Benefits: The NDFHT is a participating employer of the Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (“HOOPP”).
Position Overview:
The Lower Limb Preservation Nurse will provide culturally safe foot care for Indigenous patients at risk of or experiencing lower limb complications, including diabetes-related foot disease, chronic wounds, vascular disease, and risk of amputation.
Embedded within Gchi-twaa Dadaakokiid: Sacred Steps project, this role supports an Indigenous-informed, collaborative approach to early identification, prevention, and management of lower limb conditions. The Nurse will work closely with Indigenous patients, families, primary care teams, wound care and vascular services, community partners, and Indigenous organizations to improve access to care, continuity, and health outcomes.
The Lower Limb Preservation Nurse is an employee of North Durham Family Health Team and works across organizational boundaries as part of a regional partnership model.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Foot Care Services
• Provide comprehensive foot care assessments and treatments for patients, including nail care, callus and corn management, and preventive care for high-risk feet.
• Support lower limb health through early identification of complications related to diabetes, vascular disease, and wounds.
• Educate patients and families on foot care best practices, prevention strategies, and follow-up care to reduce risk of ulcers and amputation.
Patient Navigation and Advocacy
• Facilitate access to primary care, diabetes management, wound care, vascular services, rehabilitation, and community supports.
• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care and advocacy for Indigenous patients and families, respecting cultural values and holistic wellness.
• Coordinate timely referrals and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless, patient-centered care.
Collaboration and Partnership
• Work closely with primary care providers, wound care clinicians, vascular specialists, home care, and allied health professionals.
• Contribute to a shared approach to lower limb preservation within the Sacred Steps partnership.
• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Indigenous health organizations to support culturally appropriate care.
Program Development and Quality Improvement
• Participate in the development and refinement of foot care protocols, education resources, and care pathways.
• Identify barriers to foot care and limb preservation services and support strategies to address them.
• Document care activities, patient outcomes, and emerging themes to inform program evaluation and quality improvement.
Qualifications and Relevant Experience
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).
• Completion of an advanced foot care certification from a recognized program.
• Experience providing foot care services, including assessment, treatment, and education for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, or other high-risk conditions.
• Knowledge of wound care principles and lower limb preservation strategies.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for community-based care.
• Professional Liability Insurance.
Assets:
• Experience working with Indigenous patients and communities, with understanding of cultural safety and trauma-informed care.
• Indigenous Cultural Safety training or equivalent.
• Experience in program development, evaluation, or quality improvement initiatives.
• Fluency in an Indigenous language or strong community connection within Indigenous communities.
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
• Strong clinical assessment and foot care skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and across care settings.
• Knowledge of culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equity-focused care approaches.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for patient education and documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Commitment to patient-centered, holistic approaches to care.
The North Durham Family Health Team is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.