Island Health·Port Alberni, British Columbia
Respond to crisis/emergency situations in the Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit.
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessments.
Perform in-depth risk assessments.
Provide crisis intervention and stabilization care using a crisis intervention model.
Contribute to patient care plans within an interdisciplinary team.
Develop referral and/or discharge plans in partnership with patient, caregiver/family, and appropriate community services.
Deliver psychiatric emergency services in accordance with unit/program philosophy and competency guidelines
Close Date Jul. 12 2026 Location West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) - Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4S1 CA (Primary) Work Area (FBA Only) Multi-Site No Travel Requirement No travel required Shift Start Time/End Time 09:00-21:00 Days Off Rotating Vacancy Type Regular PT Salary Range (Hourly Rate) $41.42 - $59.52 Paid FTE 0.58 Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS 41.25 Planned Start Date Jul. 29 2026 Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY) Pending Return of Incumbent No CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check) Required for Professional Registration
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reports to the Coordinator or designate and functions as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver psychiatric emergency services, crisis intervention and stabilization care in accordance with the unit/program philosophy, competency guidelines and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice. The nurse is responsible for responding to crisis/emergency situations of patient/clients in the Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit, Using a crisis intervention model, the nurse will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment of the patient/client and an in-depth risk assessment. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the nurse will contribute to the patient care plan, referral and/or discharge plan in partnership with patient, caregiver/family and appropriate community services.
Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN.
Minimum two (2) years recent experience working with persons with acute mental illness and/or addiction, including work with multidisciplinary teams.
Working knowledge of relevant legislation.
Knowledge of Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (2nd ed.).
Current CPR Basic Rescuer certification.
Ability to conduct physical/mental status and risk assessments.
Ability to apply addictions theory and manage withdrawal.
Ability to apply crisis intervention and stabilization principles.
Ability to use common screening tools for mental illness and addictions.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic relationships.
Demonstrated ability to organize workload and set priorities.
Ability to deal effectively with internal/external contacts including co-workers, physicians, community agency representatives, patients/clients, and families/significant others.
Ability to operate related equipment including computers and related software.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
Market context
In British Columbia, behavioral-health roles often reflect ongoing demand in acute care, community mental health, and integrated service settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for current BC nursing registration, recent experience with acute mental illness, and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit against the original posting, then tailor your application to show relevant mental-health and team-based experience.