Indigenous Liaison Nurse; RN​/RPN

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

Under the direction of the Manager, Indigenous Health, the incumbent plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates nursing care for Indigenous clients with chronic, acute, palliative, rehabilitative and/or mental health and addictions health care needs in community and hospital settings. Nursing care includes assessments, case management, health teaching to clients, support, consultation, liaison, and referral while functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

The incumbent ensures that client self-care and independence is maintained, and participates in the administration of all Acts and regulations applicable to nursing functions.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN/RPN registrant.
• Valid BC Driver's License.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of Community Health & Long Term Care Services within respective geography available for Indigenous clients.
• Knowledge of the significance of culture in relation to individual, family and community health services.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of health and wellness services available on Vancouver Island for Indigenous patients (First Nation, Métis, Inuit).
• Demonstrates an understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenous specific racism and its impact on the current health and wellness of Indigenous peoples.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Identify groups in Canada and the significance of place of residence for Indigenous individuals in relation to access to health programs and services.
• Knowledge of the significance to provision of culturally safe health care engagements and environments for Indigenous peoples.
• Experience with Indigenous course work and education.
• A minimum of two years of experience working within and with Indigenous communities.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

• Ability to use the nursing process, teaching skills and knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to use sound professional judgment, empathy, tact and integrity.
• Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and establish work relationships with staff, public and groups.
• Ability to adapt and accept change as the program evolves.
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to Indigenous populations.
• Ability to utilize independence and initiative to plan and organize work and establish priorities.

Priority access will be given to self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) candidates. Indigenous cultural safety and humility is a key value within Island Health, and the successful candidate will have the knowledge, experience and transferable skills necessary for this position and its community. As our team grows, all team members may be expected to work a rotation which could include evenings and weekends.

Travel to remote communities by boat, plane or logging road may be a requirement. This position will primarily be based at Tofino General Hospital.

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.