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.

Working within an interdisciplinary clinical framework in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) Standards of Practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse and consistent with the mission, vision and values and established protocols of Vancouver Coastal Health, works closely with the Registered Nurse in direct care activities such as assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating interventions, and coordinating health services for the designated surgical patient/client group. Participates in discharge and/or care planning, functions as a client advocate, and teaches clients and their families about illness/injury and overall health promotion and wellness. Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family. Establishes, maintains, and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. Provides care to clients and families based on stable and predictable states of health by initiating and following established plans of care. Recognizes and responds to unexpected client outcomes by communicating and collaborating with other members of the team. Documents care provided and responds to incidents in accordance with established policies and procedures. Consults, confers, and collaborates with other health care providers as needed. QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses and one (1) year of recent experience working in a related area of care.Current practicing registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated ability in nursing practice related to designated client group – Surgical Services (e.g. Head & Neck; Gastrointestinal; Hepatic; Glandular procedures; Vascular; Urological; Thoracic; Gynecological; Reconstructive; Orthopedic).1. Demonstrated knowledge of pathophysiology related to common diagnosis related to designated client group (e.g. Liver disease; Renal failure; Pneumothorax; Pleural effusions; Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/Pulmonary embolus (PE); Wounds; Skin grafts, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – Resection; Amputation/Lower Limb; By-Pass Graft: Extra Anatomical, Lower Limb; Endovascular Aortic Stent Grafts; Arthritis; Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; Incontinence; Compartment syndrome; Cancer)2. Demonstrated ability to perform nursing assessments and interventions related to common diagnosis and specific clinical situations relevant to the designated client group (e.g. Cancer, end-stage liver disease; arthritis; renal failure; simple wound care; Benign Prostate Hyperplasia; diabetes) including safe medication practices (e.g. Best Possible Medication History, transcription and administration).3. Demonstrated ability to make sound clinical judgements to provide safe ethical client care to manage a select population of clients. Has knowledge of and accesses appropriate resources embedded within the service delivery model to support nursing practice. Knows when and how to seek out clinical support and guidance as needed. 4. Demonstrated ability to recognize potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated client group by alerting the RN and/or most responsible provider.5. Demonstrated ability in correct usage of equipment and maintains competency in working with, for example, VAC machines; oxygen delivery equipment; other care related pumps, catheters, tubes, suctions for patient population. 6. Demonstrated ability to document client care on appropriate systems/forms in accordance with organizational and unit standards in a timely and accurate manner. 7. Demonstrated skill in the management of patients with acute/chronic pain. Utilizes the Pain Assessment Record to perform and document comprehensive pain assessments.8. Demonstrated skill in preparing patient for surgery; simple wound dressings; ostomy care; insertion and care of urinary catheter; maintenance of PIV catheters, tubes and drains; oxygen therapy).9. Demonstrated skill in performing LPN scope of practice and standards of care relevant to designated client population including infection control, etc.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.