Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse

Please note that the internal competition for this position is now closed, however we are still accepting late applications from qualified internal candidates. Should you choose to apply, your application will only be considered after on-time internal applicants have been considered. 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 client and family centered care model and in accordance with British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, as well as the established vision and values of the organization, provides individualized direct nursing care, discharge planning and case coordination services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia and is responsible for the full range of clinical practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team. Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family. Performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments. Consults, confers and collaborates with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. Administers prescribed medicines, monitors client response and provides/demonstrates ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle. Prepares and maintains client records according to established standards, participates in team meeting, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities and maintains and updates own knowledge.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Completion of a minimum 6 week or 240 hours of clinical practicum/preceptorship in a mental health setting supplemented by completion of coursework in mental health or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent disorders, substance use and abuse, harm reduction strategies including assessment and intervention.

Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of conceptual models of psychiatric care including: person and family centered care, trauma-informed care, recovery model in mental illness and psychosocial rehabilitation methodology.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.

Demonstrated knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.

Demonstrated knowledge of impact of social, cultural and family systems on health outcomes.

Demonstrated ability to provide nursing assessments and interventions such as facilitating group process, conflict resolution, crisis interventions, individual and group counselling.

Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans and anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated client group.

Demonstrated ability to participate in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials for clients and families based on education theories, principles and best practices.

Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.

Demonstrated ability to document client care on appropriate systems/forms in accordance with organizational and unit standards in a timely and accurate manner.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.

Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students.

Demonstrated skill in performing autonomous scope of practice and standards of care relevant to designated client population.

Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.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.