Mental Health & Substance Use Nurse (RN/RPN), Inpatient and Outpatient Support - Powell River, BC - #225076

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.

The salary range for this position is CAD $41.42/Hr. - CAD $55.91/Hr.

Come work as a Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse (RN/RPN) on the Inpatient and Outpatient Emergency Services Team in Powell River, BC, with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)! Apply today to join our team!

Within the context of a psychosocial rehabilitation 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, works as part of a multidisciplinary Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) care team, to provide treatment and case management services that are both inclusionary and flexible for individuals with mental illness and concurrent disorders (i.e. addictions) to meet the needs of the client and to provide integration and continuity across the care continuum. Establishes and maintains relationships with, and consults with, clients, their families and colleagues to provide appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client need. Performs key duties such as, intake, mental health assessment, outreach visits as required, treatment planning, crisis intervention, Emergency assessments and referrals, consultation, individual counseling, education, and support groups to facilitate and coordinate client access to services. This role will float between services on an “as-needed” basis for both community and acute care MHSU teams.

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing.
• 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 providing treatment services to individuals with mental health issues, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Broad knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client and family centred care model.
• Broad knowledge of BCCNM standards for nursing/psychiatric nursing practice.
• Broad knowledge of mental illness and treatment.
• Broad knowledge of substance abuse and addictions treatment.
• Broad knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Broad knowledge of counseling skills and group facilitation skills.
• Broad knowledge of other facilities and community resources.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Broad knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools.
• Broad knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct mental health assessments, and provide treatment planning and crisis intervention.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of theory and practice to a case management process.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physician, and other health care staff, both one-on-one and in groups.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a co-operative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation, leadership and work direction.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Basic computer literacy 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.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff
  
  
  

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 BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https//my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.