Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse - Registered Nurse (RN)/ Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

Vancouver Coastal Health • North Vancouver, BC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Come work as a Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on the Carlile Unit at the HOpe Centre in North Vancouver, BC! Within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, as well as the established vision and values of the organization, this role provides individualized direct nursing care, discharge planning and case coordination services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia. The nurse is responsible for the full range of clinical practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team. The position enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family, performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments, and consults, confers and collaborates with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans. The nurse establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect, administers prescribed medicines, monitors client response and provides/demonstrates ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle. Additionally, the role involves preparing and maintaining client records according to established standards, participating in team meetings, engaging in team planning and quality improvement activities, and maintaining and updating own knowledge. The Carlile Unit, located in the HOpe Centre on the Lions Gate Hospital Campus, is designed to support people aged 17-25 who are facing urgent mental health or substance use challenges. The interdisciplinary team at the Carlile Unit works with young people and their circle of support to provide a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment where they can rest and receive care. The HOpe Centre on the Lions Gate Hospital campus is the focal point for mental health services on the North Shore. Opened in 2014, the HOpe Centre hosts two mental health inpatient units alongside a range of community-based outpatient mental health services. The HOpe Centre has an on-site Blenz café, with additional shops and restaurants within walking distance, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for clients, families, and staff.

Requirements

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
• Completion of a minimum 6 week or 240 hours of 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
• 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 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 counselling
• 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 behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural 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 designated client population
• Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies

Responsibilities

• Provides individualized direct nursing care, discharge planning and case coordination services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia
• Responsible for the full range of clinical practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team
• Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family
• Performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments
• Consults, confers and collaborates with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans
• Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect
• Administers prescribed medicines, monitors client response and provides/demonstrates ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle
• Prepares and maintains client records according to established standards
• Participates in team meeting, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities
• Maintains and updates own knowledge

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees