Provide direct health care services to clients with complex mental health, substance use, communicable disease, and general health needs..
Perform physical, addiction, and psychiatric assessments and refer clients for further examination when appropriate..
Administer prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols..
Observe, monitor, evaluate, and document client progress, symptoms, and behavioural changes..
Provide therapeutic health care interventions using nursing skills and medical equipment..
Facilitate discharge planning and identify referrals to other health professionals and service providers..
Provide health education and support to clients and groups..
Collaborate with clients, families, communities, and health care professionals to coordinate care..
Maintain accurate computerized and paper records, reports, correspondence, and statistical information..
Provide culturally safe, patient-centred care and contribute to reducing Indigenous-specific racism and systemic discrimination.
Registered Nurse (RN) / Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services Coquitlam, BC This Regular Full-Time opportunity is with the Coho Unit - Enhanced Care Unit. Coho Unit - Enhanced Care Unit This is an intensive treatment environment for clients experiencing the most severe and complex mental health and substance use challenges, and are at a high risk of aggression or other challenging behaviours. Goals are building rapport and motivation for engaging in treatment. What is Red Fish Healing Centre θəqiʔ ɫəwʔənəq leləm’ (the Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, or Red Fish Healing Centre) is a 105-bed facility that treats individuals from across the province who live with the most severe concurrent and complex mental health and substance use disorders. Clients admitted to the Red Fish Healing Centre have both a mental illness and a substance use disorder; many clients also have other chronic health problems. Clients may be admitted voluntarily, or involuntarily under BC’s Mental Health Act. Check out what it means to be apart of the Red Fish Healing Centre’s team! Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services. A first in Canada: minimum Nurse‑to‑Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are being introduced in B.C.! The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), alongside B.C.'s other regional health authorities, is implementing mNPRs as a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients. Learn more at: jobs.phsa.ca/mnpr What you’ll do
Provide direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, addictions, mental health and general health issues. Perform physical, addiction and psychiatric assessments, collect specimens, refer clients to the physician for further examination, administer prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols and make appropriate adjustments.
Observe, monitor, evaluate and document client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities. Initiate and facilitate discharge planning; identify referrals to other health professionals.
Provide education and support to clients and groups using a health promotion approach regarding matters such as contraception, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and minor dermatology problems and/or psychosocial, life and personal care skills.
Work collaboratively with other health care professionals, client, family and community in the identification and resolution of health issues, cultural and language barriers, ethical dilemmas and coordination and integration of care, and make referrals to other service providers as appropriate.
Maintain accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies; prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation. Document client/family perspectives and nursing observations. What you bring
Qualifications
Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Two 2 years’ recent experience providing acute or community health nursing care/services to clients who have concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system. Core Competencies
Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). Skills & Knowledge
Requirements
Graduation from an approved School of Nursing..
Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives..
Two years of recent experience providing acute or community health nursing care to clients with concurrent psychiatric or substance use disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience..
Knowledge of mental health, substance use, developmental disabilities, behavioural issues, communicable diseases, and client- and family-centred care..
Knowledge of assessment and treatment theories for dually diagnosed individuals and therapeutic relationships..
Knowledge of BCCNM nursing standards, the BC Mental Health Act, and relevant legislation and government policies..
Knowledge of community resources and relevant health care facilities..
Understanding of Indigenous-specific racism, systemic racism, Indigenous cultural safety, social determinants of health, and applicable reconciliation and human rights commitments..
Ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and use facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques.
Graduation from an approved School of Nursing
Current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
Conflict resolution
Medication administration
Care coordination
Therapeutic interventions
Treatment planning
Health education
Discharge planning
Substance use care
Mental health nursing
Registered nursing
Psychiatric nursing
Indigenous cultural safety
Anti-racism and equity-focused care
Facilitation and mediation
Physical and psychiatric assessment
Client monitoring and documentation
Benefits
Municipal pension plan
Professional development opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package
WorkPerks discount program
Generous vacation entitlement
Holistic wellness resources
Psychological health and safety programs
13 annual statutory holidays
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
CA$41 - CA$60/hr
Location
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Posted
Aug 25, 2026
Application
Employer website
Working knowledge of nursing theory related to the defined population of clients, such as mental health and substance use, developmental disabilities, behaviour issues, communicable diseases and practice within a client/family-centered approach.
Knowledge of evidence-based theories related to assessment and treatment of dually diagnosed individuals and therapeutic relationships.
Working knowledge of British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM) Standards for Nursing Practice. Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client, including the BC Mental Health Act.
Knowledge of community resources and other facilities relevant to designated clinical area.
Working knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques.
Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. What we bring Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more. Job Type: Regular, Full-Time Wage: $41.42 - $59.52 per hour Location: 2721 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam, BC V3C 4J2 Hours of Work: Rotating; 0700-1900/1900-0700 Requisition # 203240E *
Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at the Red Fish Healing Centre! *If you are a new grad (graduated in the last 18 months and have NOT completed the new grad program at another health authority), we ask all new grads apply to one posting. You can find the posting and more information about our new grad program through this link:http://www.phsa.ca/careers/nursing-careers/new-graduate-nursing-careers* What we do BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges. BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. Attention current employees of PHSA: You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. The internal job posting expires on August 28, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days. If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.
Market context
Behavioral health roles remain in steady demand
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.
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