About the position

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) for new graduate positions. This role is part of the provincial implementation of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs), aimed at enhancing nursing practice and strengthening quality of care. VCH values caring for everyone, continuous learning, and striving for better results, fostering quality practice and learning environments. New graduate RPNs will be hired into regular or temporary roles with a minimum 0.7 FTE for the first six months. Opportunities are available across various units and sites, including Inpatient Mental Health & Substance Use, Primary Care, Long Term Care/Intermediate Care, Tertiary Mental Health Assessment and Treatment Team, Vancouver Detox, BC Psychosis Program, Tertiary Rehabilitation, and Mental Health Residential Care.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized direct nursing care, discharge planning, and case coordination services to clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders, and/or dementia.
• Be responsible for the full range of clinical practice and client-centered rehabilitation programs, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Enhance quality of life from the perspective of the client/family.
• Perform physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments.
• Consult, confer, and collaborate with other healthcare givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate, and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect.
• Administer prescribed medicines, monitor client response, and provide ongoing information to the client/family regarding daily living activities, medication use, side effects, and integration of illness into their lifestyle.
• Prepare and maintain client records according to established standards.
• Participate in team meetings, team planning, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain and update own knowledge.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized program in Registered Psychiatric Nursing.
• Current (or eligibility for) Provisional or Practising registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
• For Mental Health & Substance Use nursing positions, a minimum 6-week or 240-hour clinical practicum/preceptorship in a mental health setting supplemented by completion of coursework in mental health or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
• For Primary Care/Integrated Care Team (DTES) nursing positions, completion of a full final clinical placement in a community setting, and a valid BC Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes, as required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent disorders, substance use and abuse, harm reduction strategies including assessment and intervention.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of conceptual models of psychiatric care including: person and family-centered care, trauma-informed care, recovery model in mental illness, and psychosocial rehabilitation methodology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community, social, and mental health resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impact of social, cultural, and family systems on health outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to provide nursing assessments and interventions such as facilitating group process, conflict resolution, crisis interventions, individual and group counseling.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans and anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated client group.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials for clients and families based on education theories, principles, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.
• Demonstrated ability to document client care on appropriate systems/forms in accordance with organizational and unit standards in a timely and accurate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behavior and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students.
• Demonstrated skill in performing autonomous scope of practice and standards of care relevant to the designated client population.
• Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.

Nice-to-haves

• Candidates who have recently completed a Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing within the last 18 months.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• 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