Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN), Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU)

Vancouver Coastal Health • Vancouver, BC

2h • CA$49 - CA$63 • Hybrid

About The Position

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking an Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN) to join the Cambie Older Adult Mental Health team in Vancouver, BC. This position involves working with older adults experiencing dementia, major psychiatric disorders, concurrent disorders, and/or age-related issues, who are at risk due to psychiatric symptoms, complex medical/social factors, or significant caregiver stress. Duties include psychogeriatric assessments, crisis intervention, case coordination, treatment planning, consultation/liaison, facilitating individual/group sessions, individual counseling, and providing education and support to ensure integration and continuity of care. The role involves consulting with general practitioners, caregivers, and family members, and collaborating with staff in continuing and residential care facilities, as well as hospitals. The nurse will coordinate community resources, provide educational programs, and establish relationships with clients and families to deliver appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client needs. Additionally, the role includes sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues through consultations, in-services, and presentations, and acting as a clinical resource for other healthcare providers. The position may involve direct care as well as outreach services. Practice will be conducted within a client and family-centered care model, adhering to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics, as well as VCH policies and guidelines. The Older Adult Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) program provides specialist support and treatment to older adults (generally 65+) with mental health, substance use, and concurrent MHSU disorders, or conditions co-existing with age-related psychological, cognitive, functional, physical, and social needs.

Requirements

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) years of recent related experience working in geriatric mental health and addictions or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid B.C. Driver’s License and use of a vehicle are required.
• Knowledge of gerontology and geriatric psychiatry and nursing standards of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association and current practices in Older Adult Mental Health and Addiction.
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders.
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment of psychiatric clients including geriatric psychopathology of depression, delusions, delirium, dementia as well as principles of management of personality disorders.
• Knowledge of issues associated with aging, chronic illness and psychosocial factors such as caregiver issues, family dynamics and communication patterns.
• Knowledge of detoxification/withdrawal management, abstinence/harm reduction models of service for geriatric patients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and psychiatric services/community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to provide counseling, psycho-education and consultation services.
• Knowledge of the roles of both hospital and community geriatric services in client care and the ability to act as liaison between services.
• Knowledge of theories and systems of family dynamics and end-of-life issues.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform relevant assessments using validated tools.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate a holistic care plan including holistic, physical, behavioural, social and emotional factors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop rapport, trust and ethical relationships with clients/families, family care providers and other health care professionals and providers.
• 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 ability to work independently and in a consultative/collaborative manner as a team member, leader and facilitator.
• Demonstrated ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preference, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client, including abuse and neglect legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of theory and practice to a case management.
• Demonstrated ability to employ effective conflict resolution and reconciliation approaches and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff/patients/clients and families based on educations theories, principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of basic research, e.g. research ethics, research question, hypothesis and qualitative and quantitative data analyses methods.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, schedule and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of equipment and in the techniques appropriate to nursing treatment.
• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Perform psychogeriatric assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Coordinate cases and develop treatment plans.
• Offer consultation and liaison services.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate individual and group sessions.
• Provide individual counseling.
• Offer education and support to promote integration and continuity of care.
• Consult with general practitioners, caregivers, and family members.
• Work with staff in continuing and residential care facilities and hospitals.
• Coordinate community resources.
• Provide educational programs as required.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients and their families.
• Consult with clients and their families to provide appropriate treatment services.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues via consultations, in-services, and presentations.
• Act as a clinical resource for nurses and other healthcare providers in the hospital and community.
• Provide direct care and outreach services.
• Practice within the context of a client and family centered care model.
• Adhere to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics.
• Practice within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence.
• Align practice with the vision, mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Support equitable practices, diverse teams, and inclusive environments.

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: No Education Listed