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.

Description

JOB SUMMARY:Within the context of a client and family-centred care model and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics for registered nurses or registered psychiatric nurses and the established vision and values of the organization including Indigenous Cultural Safety, cultural humility and anti-racism principles, works as a member of the Crisis Intervention/Acute Home Treatment Program to provide assessment and treatment services in the client’s home setting. Conducts mental health and addiction assessments on individuals experiencing urgent and emergent mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Conducts initial screening and/or assessment as needed, to determine if client requires home based treatment, detox, hospitalization, the provision of mobile crisis response, and/or other community-based support. Assesses bio-psychosocial-spiritual needs; conducts safety and risk assessments, and formulates initial diagnostic impression in order to determine priority of care requirements and the available services and resources. Develops crisis intervention/treatment plan; provides client care in the form of immediate screening and/or assessment, intervention, referral and support to clients in urgent situations as well as providing assessment and treatment services once the crisis period has stabilized. Attends to anticipated/unanticipated client responses to care; initiates measures to stabilize the crisis/emergent situations and responds effectively to aggressive behaviour and/or self-harm. Provides client/family/caregiver with education and support, and creates care plan with other key members of the interdisciplinary team such as the primary care physician, psychiatrist, and/or mental health case manager. Collaborates with others within community and acute care to facilitate the movement of clients.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Three (3) years’ recent, related experience working with the designated client population providing treatment services to individuals with mental health issues or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver’s License as local area travel will require the use of a personal vehicle.Knowledge & AbilitiesKnowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.Broad knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client/family centred model of care.Broad knowledge of BCCNM’s standards for practice for registered nurses or registered psychiatric nurses.Knowledge of emergency mental health and crisis stabilization Broad knowledge of mental illness and treatment.Knowledge of substance use and addictions treatment.Knowledge of DSM-IVTR Diagnostic Classification System, mental status examination and case formulation.General of knowledge Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety. Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safety care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.Broad knowledge of relevant facilities and community resources.Comprehensive knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side effects).Knowledge of infectious and chronic disease management.Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client care, including the BC Mental Health Act and REACT guidelines.Demonstrated ability to conduct mental health and addiction screening and/or assessments and provide treatment planning and crisis intervention/treatment. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients and their families and health care staff.Ability to conduct safety and risk assessmentsAbility to prioritize, take initiative, be flexible, work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to assess and respond effectively to aggressive behaviour and/or self-harm.Ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.Ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.De-escalation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.Ability to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.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.