Provide holistic nursing care for clients with moderate to severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Apply the nursing process to identify risks and promote wellness through collaborative, interdisciplinary care planning.
Requirements summary
Requires current registration as an RN or RPN with the BCCNM and at least two years of recent experience in mental health and substance use nursing. A valid B.C. Driver's License may be required for local travel.
professional certificateCase ManagementConflict ResolutionMotivational InterviewingCrisis InterventionClinical DocumentationRisk IdentificationIndigenous Cultural SafetyHarm ReductionPsychoeducationTherapeutic CommunicationCognitive Behavioural TherapyPsychopharmacologyNursing ProcessInterdisciplinary Care PlanningTrauma and Violence Informed PracticeIndividual and Group Counseling
Job description
minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is proud to be part of the provincial implementation of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs), an initiative aimed at enhancing nursing practice and strengthening quality of care across the health system. mNPRs set the minimum number of nurses providing care to patients on a given unit. In British Columbia, mNPRs are developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) and health organizations. Guided by our values: We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning and We Strive for Better Results, we remain committed to fostering quality practice and learning environments where nurses can grow and thrive. Description JOB SUMMARY:Within the context of a patient/client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice, and the vision, values and policies of the organization , the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) RN/RPN provides quality, holistic nursing care for clients including those with moderate to severe mental health conditions and/or substance use disorder along the continuum of care services, effectively applying the nursing process to identify and mitigate risks to client health and promoting safety and wellness through collaborative, client-centred, strengths-based, interdisciplinary care planning. This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration and authorization to practice as Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two (2) years recent experience providing nursing care for individuals with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Valid B.C. Driver’s License may be required as local area travel may require the use of a vehicle.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and substance use theory and practice including therapeutic communication, crisis intervention and management, psychopharmacology and pharmacology, interdisciplinary care coordination and case management, individual and group counseling, key VCH and non-VCH community resources, and the nursing process.
Demonstrated knowledge of frameworks guiding nursing practice including client and family-oriented care, healthy equity, and psychosocial rehabilitation,
Demonstrated knowledge of Trauma and Violence Informed Practice, harm reduction approaches, recovery oriented and strengths-based care.
Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous cultural safety.
Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings including with diverse populations.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory, policy and decision support tools and professional and practice standards contextualizing and enabling care in this setting (i.e. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, BCCNM Standards).
Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, or individual supportive counselling, group facilitation or psychoeducation.
Demonstrated skill in the application of the nursing process including appropriate screening, assessment, risk identification, care planning, intervention(s), and evaluation.
Demonstrated skill in the prudent selection and application of standards, assessments and measures defined by the organization for the service/practice setting.
Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate key risks (e.g. overdose risk/prevention, psychosis, suicide risk, medication side effects) through evidence-informed nursing practice, interdisciplinary care coordination, client- and family-centred care planning and case management.
Demonstrated ability to work with clients and families using a variety of care modalities including but not limited to in-person, clinic, virtual and outreach visits.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment with diverse people through effective verbal and written communication, consultation, problem-solving, facilitation, conflict mediation and resolution.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to unexpected and challenging events, and reconsider workload priorities.
Demonstrated ability to effectively use clinical digital information systems for care documentation, risk communication, and care planning.
Basic computer literacy skills including the use of word processors, spreadsheets, printers, fax, email and calendar functions.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Details At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.
