Rural & Remote Clinical Nurse Specialist

Vancouver Coastal Health

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to join their Rural and Remote Nursing Team. This role provides leadership in Indigenous cultural safety, Indigenous-specific anti-racism, engagement with Indigenous Peoples, and direction in nursing care delivery. The CNS operates within the organization’s leadership framework to achieve high standards of service delivery and leads the planning, development, and implementation of clinical practices to enhance patient and client care. A key aspect of this role involves close collaboration with the Indigenous Health CNS and Directors to ensure cultural safety, eliminate Indigenous-specific racism, and advance health equity for Indigenous communities. The CNS will also engage with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the region through respectful and meaningful dialogue. This position offers subject matter expertise and consultation in nursing, resource planning, program and health system improvement, research, and professional development to support quality care. The role involves continuous evaluation of practice, integration of community knowledge, and evaluation of research to develop frameworks and strategies. The CNS functions as a clinical leader in Rural and Remote healthcare, advancing nursing practice through advanced practice and evidence-based research. They act as a liaison between various healthcare settings to facilitate integrated care and report on professional nursing practice matters. Leadership and consultation are provided to team members, other healthcare staff, patients, clients, and their families. Collaboration with Program Managers, Medical Directors, Clinical Educators, Nurse Clinicians, staff nurses, Nation Health Teams, community leadership, and interdisciplinary teams is essential to advance nursing practice regionally, provincially, and nationally.

Requirements

• Masters degree in Nursing
• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
• A minimum of five (5) year’s recent related experience working in a health care setting with a focus in rural and remote care settings, and in a progressive leadership role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver’s license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, to effectively travel between sites and communities we serve.

Nice To Haves

• Preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison with First Nations, Métis and Inuit and health care leaders to facilitate culturally safe, anti-racist, and meaningful dialogue to improve patient and client experiences and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
• Exemplify excellence in Indigenous cultural safety and Indigenous-specific anti-racism in nursing by providing advanced level nursing expertise and clinical support to a multi-disciplinary health care team.
• Foster ongoing relationships with Indigenous Peoples to ensure the voices of First Nations, Métis and Inuit are represented across VCH programs and services.
• Develop, implement and evaluate evidence, standards and clinical practice guidelines that support culturally relevant healthcare excellence.
• Lead the design and implementation of integrated systems and processes to promote the development of competent staff, support professional and clinical practice, and enhance collaborative working relationships across the continuum of care.
• Lead the development of quality assurance programs within clinical area and collaborates with Operations and Practice Directors to report and recommend the implementation of research with impact to initiatives on nursing practice and job content, staff allocation, training and performance, and budgetary planning.
• Conduct research that is locally relevant, and address community health priorities and inequities to optimize excellence in patient/client care.
• Develop, implement and evaluate clinical and educational programs to advance rural and remote nursing practice.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members using effective coaching techniques, mentor staff, conduct performance evaluations, enable developmental opportunities, participate in recruitment activities and make final hiring decisions in collaboration with leadership team.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to assist graduate and undergraduate students develop a thorough understanding and skilled use of advanced nursing practices and related competencies.
• Collaborate in the development and promotion of clear guidelines, organizational supports, performance standards and effective processes to assess competencies of staff and students and facilitate continuing development of nursing and allied health professionals in compliance with professional standards as well as codes of ethics.
• Report regularly on status of activity and deliverables to the program Director.
• Work collaboratively and seek input from key partners to help prioritize work to address the needs of the patients and healthcare professionals across Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Health and health care system issues, policy, legislation, trends and research.

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
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior