Wendy Zirbser

Registered Practical Nurse with over a decade of progressive experience in community nursing, complex pediatric care, retirement care, and clinical leadership. Skilled in patient communication, care coordination, and multidisciplinary collaboration across diverse healthcare settings. Experienced in complex neurological and pediatric care, including Locked-In Syndrome, as well as supporting clients with dual-diagnosis presentations, complex psychosocial needs, and elevated clinical risk.

Strong ability to identify clinical risk, support safe care planning, and contribute to appropriate service navigation within interdisciplinary teams.

Experienced Clinical

Instructor for Community PSW placements, providing mentorship and competency-based education. Adaptable to virtual care environments with strong documentation, organizational skills, and a commitment to patient-centered, trauma-informed practice.

Director of Quality, Regulatory & Education - Embassy West Senior Living - Ottawa, Ontario

(2024-01)

• Provide senior leadership for multidisciplinary teams supporting complex care and high-acuity residents, including Nursing, Social Work, and Interpreting services
• Oversee Behavioural Support Program, focusing on risk reduction, responsive care strategies, and safe behavioural management planning
• Lead clinical operations, care coordination, and escalation management across wellness and community nursing services
• Serve as Clinical Instructor for Community PSW placements, delivering competency-based education, mentorship, and performance evaluation
• Advocate for Indigenous residents, supporting culturally safe, equitable care in partnership with the Government of Nunavut
• Oversee regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and policy development aligned with RHRA, MOHLTC, ESA, AODA, OPH, and CNO standards
• Act as Privacy, Compliance, and Complaints Officer, ensuring PHIPA compliance, incident management, and structured resolution processes
• Lead Joint Health & Safety initiatives, including workplace safety programs and WSIB-supported return-to-work planning
• Direct staff education and training programs (GPA, CPR/First Aid, Indigenous cultural safety, nursing skills, and emergency response)
• Support wellness-focused care and rehabilitation programming for over 100 Inuit and non-Inuit residents in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut

Director of Wellness - Embassy West Senior Living - Ottawa, Ontario

(2015-01 - 2024-01)

Charge Nurse - Embassy West Senior Living - Ottawa, Ontario

(2012-01 - 2014-12)

Registered Practical Nurse – Pediatrics/Complex Care and Clinical Instructor (PSWs) - Community Nursing Registry Ottawa (CNRO)

(2018-01)

• Provide comprehensive pediatric complex care in community settings, including tracheostomy care, PEG/NG tube feeding, and management of CADD pain infusion pumps
• Deliver skilled nursing care for clients with complex neurological conditions, including Locked-In Syndrome and other high-acuity neurodegenerative presentations
• Perform ongoing head-to-toe assessments, clinical monitoring, and escalation of care as required
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with best practices, with accurate documentation and MAR compliance
• Monitor patient status, evaluate responses to interventions, and report changes in condition promptly
• Provide clinical instruction and mentorship to Personal Support Worker (PSW) students in community placement settings
• Develop and deliver structured clinical orientation, competency-based training, and performance evaluation for PSW learners, ensuring adherence to safe practice standards, documentation requirements, and professional accountability standards

Practical Nursing Diploma - Practical Nursing - St. Lawrence College (2009-01 - 2011-12)

Certificate - Infection Prevention and Control - Queen's University (2015-01 - 2016-12)

Diploma - Medical Laboratory Technician - Career Canada (1994-01 - 1995-12)