Nurse (RN) (RPN)

Status: Casual

This is a casual position. As such, there is no specific or guaranteed schedule associated with the position. Shifts are offered on an as-needed basis, in accordance with operational requirements and the applicable Collective Agreement. Employees may be contacted to fill available shifts based on their availability and operational needs.

Salary Range: $41.42 to $55.91

Schedule: Various

Location: Various

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Director, and as a member of a multidisciplinary team, the nurse provides a broad range of psychiatric / nursing functions and direct care, including psychiatric assessment, pharmacotherapy, and crisis intervention to clients who live in a supported housing setting. Practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) as well as within a client centered, trauma-informed, recovery-focused care model and the vision and values of the organization. The RN / RPN / LPN is responsible for the delivery of care for people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, trauma, family/cultural and community disconnection, physical health deterioration and behavioral issues/challenges. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the nurse shares information with the team and other professionals in relation to client progress, care plans, helpful interventions/approaches and provides input into the development and/or maintenance of the program’s services designed to meet the needs of the program’s participants.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved school of Nursing with current practicing membership with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) with at least three years of recent related experience in mental health and addiction either in a hospital or community setting are required.
• Ability to provide/obtain the following upon hire:
  • A valid First Aid Certificate (“Emergency First Aid – Community Care” or equivalent)
  • A valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and access to vehicle

Knowledge and Abilities

• Broad knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client-centered, trauma-informed model of care and concurrent disorders.
• Broad knowledge of BCCNP’s standards for nursing practice.
• Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Broad knowledge of community mental health services, resources, and referral procedures.
• Demonstrated ability in nursing practice related to assessment of mental status and physical health.
• Demonstrated ability to use factual information and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage aggressive, distraught and suicidal behaviour.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans.
• Demonstrated ability to assess patient responses to care and to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve, set priorities and deal with conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to work alone as well as collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing in an effective and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with clients and their families, co-workers, physicians and staff of external agencies.
• Demonstrated group facilitation and individual therapy skills in insight-oriented and psycho educational groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work with culturally diverse group of clients.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and health related support services.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a time effective and efficient manner.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position

About Coast

Coast Mental Health (Coast) is one of the largest mental health non-profit societies in Canada and operates a large array of innovative housing and community-based rehabilitation services for people with a mental illness living in and around Vancouver. Coast operates in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia providing approximately 1000 people with supportive housing and 4000 clients living in the community with a wide variety of programs and services.

Coast fosters a client-driven, recovery-oriented environment that promotes restoring health, personal growth and a return to society for individuals with a mental illness through advocacy and providing direct programs and services. Coast is deeply invested in cultural safety, reconciliation, and anti-racism. Our employees receive training on cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive leadership. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and value lived experience alongside professional qualifications.

Why Coast

• We recognize safety as a top priority for the organization.
• We believe in our people and recognize hard work.
• We operate client-centered care under the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.
• We offer a variety of work placement opportunities within the organization.
• We strive to be the best that we can be.
• We hold Exemplary Standingwith Accreditation Canada.
• We have been recognized with numerous awards for our innovative programming.
• We care about our employees, and believe in living our values and culture throughout the organization

Some of the Benefits we Offer

• 100% employer-paid benefits for employees and their families.
• Vision Care, Dental Care, Prescription Drugs, Naturopath, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Group Life, Massage therapy, Physiotherapy, and Unlimited Out-of-Province and Out-of-Country Emergencies.
• General sick-leave accruals.
• Long-term disability programs. Short-term disability programs available to exempt positions only.
• 5 days of paid leave for Indigenous Employees for Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual events per year.
• 8 weeks of paid leave for gender affirming care for medical procedures for transgender and gender diverse employees, cumulative total.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program, which includes personal counselling, Life Coaching, Financial Coaching, Legal Referral and Advisory Services, and Health Coaching. In addition, Coast provides a cognitive behavioural therapy program (CBT abilities program) and Headversity for managing a variety of life issues and includes self-paced therapeutic support.
• Municipal Pension Plan with guaranteed lifetime monthly pension when you retire. More information can be found at: https://mpp.pensionsbc.ca.

***For any unionized positions, current/internal Coast employees must apply within seven (7) days of the posting date with their internal UKG account (using their Coast email address), in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Current/internal Coast employees who apply to a unionized position using an external account (or email), or after the seven (7) day deadline will be considered an external candidate. In this case, seniority will not be considered.***

Coast Mental Health is committed to creating a culture of diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability.