Nurse Practitioner

Overview

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; the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

• The Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients/clients/residents, including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions.
• The Nurse Practitioner initiates treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions, policy and guidelines.
• Provides professional guidance to other health professionals and practices autonomously and interdependently within the context of an interdisciplinary health care team, making referrals to physicians and others as appropriate.
• Collaborates with patients/clients/residents and other members of the interdisciplinary team to identify and assess trends and patterns with implications for patients/clients/residents, families and communities.
• Develops and implements population and evidence-based strategies to improve health and participates in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices.
• Participates in peer review and self-review to evaluate outcomes of services at the patient/client/resident, community and population levels.

Education, Training And Experience

• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing NP registrant and two (2) years of recent, relevant clinical nursing experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients/clients/residents and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self-care and prognosis.
• Ability to collaborate, consult with and formally refer patients/clients/residents to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate.
• Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices and to introduce education and evidence-based research.
• Ability to assess and recognize population health trends and plan and implement strategies for population-based prevention and health promotion.
• Ability to implement and evaluate planned change.
• Ability to supervise others and evaluate the care they deliver.
• Ability to lead a team and work within a team.
• Ability to self-direct, interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, teach, coach and mentor others.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient/client/resident care.
• Ability to self-assess performance and assume responsibility and accountability for own professional development, educational or consultative assistance when appropriate.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.