Island Health·Duncan, British Columbia
Provide direct and indirect mental health clinical services for children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis or acute psychiatric illness presenting to ER, Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), or admitted to inpatient unit.
Use a trauma-informed approach to conduct mental status and alcohol/drug use assessment.
Provide crisis stabilization and triage services.
Develop and implement therapeutic care plans.
Provide case management and discharge planning in collaboration with applicable professions.
Provide psycho-education and family support as required.
Complete all related documentation of assessment and care.
Screen referrals, gather collateral information, and set up urgent psychiatric consultation appointments with the child and youth psychiatrist when required.
Initiate recommendations regarding further treatment planning.
Provide referral and liaison with related service providers
Close Date Location Cowichan Lodge/ACT (CLRC) - Duncan, BC V9L 4H2 CA (Primary) Work Area (FBA Only) Multi-Site No Travel Requirement Travel between multiple sites may be required Shift Start Time/End Time 09:00-17:00 Days Off Rotating Vacancy Type Temp PT Salary Range (Hourly Rate) $41.42 - $59.52 Paid FTE 0.74 Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS 52.50 Planned Start Date Aug. 4 2026 Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY) Feb. 28 2028 Pending Return of Incumbent Yes 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 Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), 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. Under the direction of the Program Coordinator or designate and in collaboration with other health care professionals, both internal and external, the Mental Health Crisis Nurse provides direct and indirect mental health clinical service for children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis or acute psychiatric illness and present to the Emergency Room (ER), Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), or are admitted to the Inpatient Unit. This includes using a trauma-informed approach to provide mental status and alcohol and drug use assessment; crisis stabilization and triage services; the development and implementation of therapeutic care plans; case management and discharge planning in collaboration with other applicable professions; psycho-education and family support as required; and all related documentation of assessment and care. The Mental Health Crisis Nurse is also responsible for screening referrals, gathering collateral information, and setting up appointments with the child and youth psychiatrist for those children and youth who require an urgent psychiatric consultation and is responsible for initiating recommendations regarding further treatment planning, and referral and liaison with related service providers.
Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or practicing RPN.
Competencies per Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Practice (2nd Edition).
Minimum two (2) years recent experience working with a multidisciplinary team with children and youth with acute mental illness; crisis or emergency mental health experience is an asset (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Recent training in Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or equivalent.
Current CPR certification required.
Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (Certificate) (CPMHN{C}) is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to conduct age-appropriate psychiatric assessments including risk to self/others and mental status.
Working knowledge of DSM IV diagnoses including substance use concerns and related treatments and relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, Child, Family and Community Service Act, etc.).
Demonstrated experience in suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
De-escalation skills with hostile/aggressive clients.
Ability to work effectively under pressure in high-acuity situations.
Ability to establish therapeutic relationships and communicate effectively (including written communication).
Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
Physical ability to perform duties.
Typing and computer skills sufficient for electronic health record documentation
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.