Public Health Nurse

Location: Victoria

Job Description
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Manager or designate (Clinical Coordinator), and in accordance with established guidelines, the Public Health Nurse (PHN) functions as an integral member of the Public Health team and provides health promotion, disease prevention, education, assessment, counseling, and consultation services to individuals, groups and communities within the framework of population health promotion. Services are offered in communities, homes, schools, and outreach locations to individuals, families, and communities.

Travel and the use of a personal vehicle are requirements of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment.

Qualifications
Graduation from a recognized nursing program with community or public health component. Two years' recent (within the last three years) related experience working with children, youth and families or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant. Completion of the BCCDC online Immunization Course and Exam and hold a certificate from a College Level Post Baccalaureate course in Breastfeeding that includes both practical and theoretical components from a recognized institution.

Completion of Cultural Safety Course. Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to practice nursing within a relational model of care; applying intentional, relational practice skills whilst offering client‑centred, trauma informed practice and culturally safe care.

Demonstrated knowledge and application of an equity and social justice lens when providing nursing care and engaging in nurse‑client care relationships.

Knowledge and application of community nursing theories (e.g. Parse's Theory of Nursing).

Ability to actively engage in a practice environment enabled by structured reflective practice.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Public Health Act, and the School Act, and Infants Act.

Competency in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with clients, co‑workers, multi‑disciplinary teams and community partners.

Demonstrated understanding and ability to apply the nursing process, principles of adult education, health promotion, epidemiology, public health ethics, disease/injury, primary and secondary prevention strategies, prevention population health approach, primary health care, determinants of health, and community development.

Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and function effectively with limited direction as a member of the team.

Demonstrated ability to apply evidenced-based knowledge to support health‑enhancing behaviours to diverse populations through universal and targeted interventions.

Demonstrated ability to be flexible, innovative and resourceful in adapting to changes in the work environment.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and to function in a computerized environment using a range of software programs.

Demonstrated effective assessment and problem solving.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

A first in Canada: minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPR) are starting in BC! Island Health, alongside other health authorities, is implementing mNPR as a transformative staffing solution that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients.

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