Mental Health Nurse - Registered Nurse (RN) / Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

Vancouver Coastal Health • North Vancouver, BC

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is looking for a Registered Psychiatric Nurse OR Registered Nurse to join the team in North Vancouver, BC. As a Mental Health Nurse with VCH, you will provide individualized direct nursing care and brokerage services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia. You will be responsible for the full range of clinical practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team. You will enhance quality of life from the perspective of the client/family, perform physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments, and consult, confer and collaborate with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans. You will establish, maintain and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect. You will administer prescribed medicines, monitor client response, and provide ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, medication use and side-effects, and integration of illness into their lifestyle. You will also prepare and maintain client records according to established standards, participate in team meetings, engage in team planning and quality improvement activities, and maintain and update your own knowledge. The Adult Community Mental Health team (located at the HOpe Centre) provides specialized, community-based services for adults living with serious or persistent mental illness, as well as individuals who may be in the early stages of developing a mental health disorder. Clients are supported through inclusionary, flexible care, with services tailored to individual needs and delivered through a combination of in-office appointments, home visits, and community outreach. This is a multidisciplinary team, with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals working collaboratively. 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 Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Diploma in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing plus two (2) years’ recent related experience working with individuals with severe and persistent psychiatric illness or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC Driver’s license and local area travel may require the use of a vehicle, as required.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of a client and family centered recovery model in mental illness.
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.
• Ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.
• Ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, other groups and community agency personnel.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated ability in nursing practice related to assessment of behaviour and to assisting clients to regain or improve their coping abilities, and to prevent further disability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and co-lead group sessions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans.
• Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve and set priorities.
• 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 work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to counsel and teach clients and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership through initiative and independence.
• Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized direct nursing care and brokerage services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia.
• Perform physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments.
• Consult, confer and collaborate with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plan.
• Administer prescribed medicines, monitors client response and demonstrates and provides ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle.
• Prepare and maintain client records according to established standards.
• Participate in team meeting, engage in team planning and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain and updates own knowledge.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree