Community Health Nurse

Government of Northwest Territories; Behchokǫ̀; On-site; CAD 116,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$12,000 signing bonus

$12,000 retention bonus after one year

Annual Northern Allowance of $5,536

Access to outdoor recreation and culture

Job summary

The Government of Northwest Territories is seeking a Community Health Nurse for a one-year term in Behchokǫ̀. This role focuses on providing primary health care and public health services while working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team. Responsibilities include emergency care, client education, and health planning.

The successful candidate must hold a Nursing Degree and have experience in emergency settings. Strong understanding of Indigenous health issues and a commitment to trauma-informed care are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of community health nursing and public health practices.
• Experience in emergency room settings.
• Must provide trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of Indigenous health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and urgent care, participate in on-call rotation.
• Coordinate care for clients with complex health needs.
• Facilitate referrals to health professionals.
• Participate in health promotion and quality improvement activities.

Skills

Knowledge of community health nursing

Experience providing emergency and urgent care services

Knowledge of culturally safe and trauma-informed care practices

Understanding of Indigeneous health impacts

Strong communication skills

Teamwork and relationship-building skills

Education

Nursing Degree

Job description

Job Information

The Community Health Nurse (CHN) provides a broad range of primary health care, public health, and community wellness services to residents of Behchok¿ and surrounding communities. Reporting to the Nurse in Charge, the CHN works independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to promote health, prevent illness, provide treatment, and support individuals and families across the lifespan.

This position delivers care in a Community Health Centre setting and may also provide services in schools, community facilities, long-term care settings, clients' homes, and through virtual care.

The CHN provides both scheduled and urgent care, including emergency response and on-call coverage, and may be required to support other communities within the T¿¿¿ch¿ region. This position will provide non-emergency medical care; respond to medical crisis that may require decision making outside of the usual policies, procedures and standards of nursing care; deliver nursing core services designed to promote community health and wellness and prevent injury across the lifespan. In accordance with established standards of nursing practice, this includes assessment, requisitioning and analyzing selected diagnostics tests and therapeutics based on assessment findings. This also involves selecting, dispensing, and monitoring the effectiveness of selected drugs and intervention. The provision of critical, emergency or unexpected care is supported by other CHNs/the NIC and/or by a practitioner, either remotely or in person, with further assistance of other health center staff as required.

The successful candidate will provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care that recognizes the impacts of colonization and residential schools on Indigenous health outcomes. The role requires strong clinical judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering respectful, compassionate, and equitable health services in a northern community setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and urgent nursing care, including participation in an on-call rotation.
• Coordinate care for clients with complex or ongoing health needs and facilitate referrals to other health professionals and services.
• Support clients and families through education, health promotion, disease prevention, and self‑care teaching.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, special projects, research activities, and community health planning.

Key Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge of community health nursing, primary health care, and public health practices.
• Experience providing emergency and urgent care services.
• Knowledge of culturally safe and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Understanding of the impacts of colonization and residential schools on Indigenous health outcomes.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship‑building skills.

To be successful in this role, typically, the above qualifications would be attained by: A Nursing Degree, and two (2) years of recent nursing experience in an Emergency Room (ER) setting or within a Community Health Centre.

Why Join Us

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the community.
• Build strong relationships with community members and contribute to culturally safe care.
• Enjoy a unique lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, Indigenous culture, and the natural beauty of the Northwest Territories.

Labour Market Supplement

The successful incumbent will receive a $12,000 supplement upon hire and an additional $12,000 supplement after completion of 12 months of continuous employment contingent on remaining employed in an eligible position for a further 12 months. This is a taxable benefit and will be subject to applicable deductions.

Term Position

This job opening is for a one (1) year term.

Indigenous Employment Policy

Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Criminal Records Check

Candidates must provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.

Immunization Status

The successful candidate will be required to obtain proof of current up-to-date immunization status.

Registrations

Eligible for current registration/certification with College and Association of Nurses of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (CANNN) is mandatory for this position.

For more information on health and social services careers and practicing in the Northwest Territories please visit www.practiceNWT.ca.

Equivalencies

Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.

Salary Information

The salary range for this position is from $59.62 per hour to $71.22 per hour (approximately $116,259 - $138,879) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $5,536.