Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse; RN​/RPN

Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse (RN/RPN) - (224650)

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) 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.

Working in the community setting as a member of a multidisciplinary care team, the Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse provides intake, nursing and clinical assessments, intervention, treatment, consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and drug use problems and their caregivers/families.

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Recognized post basic education related to psychiatric nursing and/or mental illness. Two (2) years recent related experience. A significant understanding of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use issues. Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act.

Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community to persons with mental illnesses. Knowledge of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver's License.

• Apply nursing process as required and described in BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Demonstrate clinical competence congruent with the care and treatment of mental illness;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Deal with others effectively
• Sound organizational, problem solving and teaching skills
• Sound judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy
• Work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision
• Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Promote positive change and independence
• Prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs
• Physically and emotionally carry out the duties of the position
• Operate a personal computer with a variety of windows based software
• Foster good public relations
• Operate related equipment
• Maintain a commitment to continued professional development as required by the employer

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