Recognizing the Evolving and Diverse Role of Nurses
When picturing a nurse, many envision someone in scrubs with a stethoscope, working in a hospital or administering vaccines. While these roles are vital, the scope of nursing has evolved dramatically. In Ontario, nurses are taking on broader and more diverse responsibilities to meet the changing needs of the healthcare system and the communities they serve.
Today’s nurses work in a range of settings—community health clinics, long-term care homes, schools, and private residences. Their expertise extends to public health education, healthcare administration, and policy advocacy aimed at improving patient outcomes.
At Circle of Care, Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) play a vital role as Client Services Supervisors (CSSs)—a position that reflects the growing diversity of the nursing profession. While CSSs do not provide direct bedside care, they apply clinical expertise and compassion to ensure the health, safety, and independence of clients living at home. Through clinical assessments, they develop personalized care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.
“What sets my role apart from traditional nursing is how I support client needs, address challenges, and advocate for the right resources to ensure clients receive safe, compassionate care at home,” says Divya, one of Circle of Care’s CSSs. “I may not wear scrubs or work at the bedside, but I’m in homes, on calls, and providing leadership to frontline support staff, collaborating with families and health professionals to ensure clients are supported by the right home care resources.”
Collaboration and Advocacy
A cornerstone of the CSS role is coordination. CSSs work closely with Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Homemakers, and clients’ families to ensure care is seamless and comprehensive. They monitor changes in clients’ health, communicate updates, and mobilize care teams to meet evolving needs.
CSSs also advocate for clients by connecting them with external services and community resources. This kind of system navigation and cross-sector collaboration has become an increasingly important function of nursing in Ontario, as healthcare professionals respond to more complex social and medical challenges.
“One example that stands out is when a Personal Support Worker alerted me to signs of possible elder abuse. I quickly collaborated closely with the care team and community partners to coordinate an emergency plan, ensuring the vulnerable client remained protected in their own home. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes nursing leadership that transforms lives,” says Divya.
Hands-On Support Through Home Visits
Home visits are another critical component of the CSS role. By visiting clients in their homes, CSSs assess living environments and ensure care plans remain effective. This hands-on approach underscores the shift in nursing towards community-based care—a growing focus in Ontario. By bringing healthcare directly to clients, CSSs help bridge gaps in the system and support aging in place.
Leaders, Mentors, and Educators
The evolving role of nurses also includes leadership and mentorship. At Circle of Care, CSSs supervise PSWs and Homemakers, offering guidance, training, and delegations of tasks. They share their nursing knowledge and teach specialized care techniques in line with the College of Nurses of Ontario’s guidelines, empowering frontline staff to deliver safe, high-quality care.
“I’m excited to see how the home care sector is evolving. More programs, resources, and transitional services are supporting clients to age in place safely and with dignity. It’s a growing field, and I’m proud to be part of it!” says Divya.
Through leadership, education, and collaboration, today’s nurses are redefining what it means to care. At Circle of Care, CSSs are on the front lines of that transformation—ensuring that clients not only receive medical support but are also treated with dignity, respect, and compassion in the place they call home.
