Job Description

Notice

NOW ACCEPTING LATE INTERNAL APPLICATIONS: Please note that the internal competition for this position is now closed, however we are still accepting late applications from qualified internal candidates. Should you choose to apply, your application will only be considered after on-time internal applicants have been considered.

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.

Using a best practices’ approach, provides nursing care to clients working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary care team to achieve quality symptom management, goals of care conversations and end of life care. Assesses, consults, plans, implements, and evaluates care needs of clients who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness in acute, hospice or community settings. Assesses clients’ physiological, psychological, sociocultural and spiritual needs. Provides support to clients/families and caregivers who are facing physical, emotional and practical difficulties arising from advanced progressive life-threatening illness. Promotes the palliative philosophy that improves the quality of life of clients and their families and relieves suffering. Participates on designated hospital committees/teams and approved research projects as assigned.Practices in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)Standards (professional & practice) and code of ethics for a Registered Nurse. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values of the organization as well as with the concept of a client and family centred care model. QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two (2) years’ recent, related acute medical-surgical experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Palliative Care experience and completion of related coursework is an asset.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated ability in nursing practice related to designated client group – palliative patient populations.1. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices, pathophysiology and trajectory of disorder/disease related to common diagnosis/ and specific clinical situations related to area of practice (e.g. cancer, end stage cardiac, COPD, neurological disease such as ALS or MS, chronic renal disease, end stage liver disease, metabolic disorders, or HIV/AIDS, dementia, frailty).2. Demonstrated ability to provide nursing assessments and interventions related to common diagnosis and specific clinical situations relevant to palliative patient/client group i.e. lab value monitoring, symptom management, appropriate referrals, safe medication practices, bowel care, care of body after death.3. Demonstrated knowledge of approaches and systems in place (e.g. iPace, EPAIRS, etc.)4. Demonstrated ability to perform focused secondary assessments, integrate information from a variety of sources including diagnostics, and develop plan of care relevant to the designated patient/client group.5. Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated client group.6. Demonstrated ability in correct usage of equipment and maintains competency in working with Central venous access devices; Oxygen delivery equipment; Ostomy/wounds; chest tubes; other care related tubes, catheters, drains, suctions for patient population.7. Demonstrated ability to document client care on appropriate systems/forms in accordance with organizational and unit standards in a timely and accurate manner.8. Demonstrated skill in palliative symptom management (e.g. pain, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, depression, constipation) 9. Demonstrated skill in conducting goals of care conversations and in understanding the care goals and what is most important to the patient. 10. Demonstrated skill in performing RN autonomous scope of practice and standards of care relevant to palliative patient/client group.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.