Street Outreach Nurse - (211384)

Island Health; Port Hardy; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health authority is seeking a Street Outreach Nurse to work with high-risk populations on communicable disease prevention and control. The role combines clinical duties with education, focusing on harm reduction and community health. Ideal candidates will have significant nursing experience, particularly in public health, and a strong understanding of communicable diseases. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building trust with clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' nursing experience, including at least 2 years in public health.
• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN(C) registrant.

Responsibilities

• Support the Medical Health Officer in controlling communicable diseases.
• Work with street-involved individuals facing health issues.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Epidemiology

Clinical Skills

Computer Literacy

Education

Graduation from a recognized nursing program

STI Certification

Immunization Competency BC

Job description

Job Description: Street Outreach Nurse

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 shared responsibility. The continuous improvement of quality and safety is inherent in this position.

The Street Outreach Nurse is an integral part of the designated program, working under the direction of the Manager or designate. The role is based on harm reduction philosophy and focuses on duties related to the prevention and control of reportable communicable diseases, including but not limited to HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Practice aligns with BC College of Nurses and Midwives standards. The target population includes street-involved individuals at high risk or already infected with reportable communicable diseases, often facing mental health and/or addiction issues. The role combines clinical duties with an educational component. The Street Nurse supports the Medical Health Officer (MHO) in controlling and preventing communicable diseases as per Bill 23, Public Health (PH) Act, 2008.

Qualifications: Education, Training, and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized nursing program with a community or public health component.
• Minimum of 5 years' nursing experience, including at least 2 years in public health, preferably in reportable communicable diseases.
• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN(C) registrant.
• STI Certification with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives; Immunization Competency BC.
• A valid BC driver's license is required.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of communicable diseases, including counseling, testing, prophylaxis, and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STI.
• Basic epidemiology skills.
• HIV Partner Notification and Pre/Post Test Counseling with BCCDC are preferred.
• Enhanced understanding of harm reduction principles.
• Knowledge of cultural safety and its application.
• Basic understanding of mental health issues, substance use, and alcohol problems.
• Clinical skills related to examination and testing for communicable diseases, including venipuncture, pelvic exams, STI exams, Pap tests, TB skin and sputum tests, and laboratory result interpretation.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Skills in identifying drug-induced and intoxicated states, withdrawal symptoms.
• Ability to prevent and de-escalate violence.
• Effectiveness and safety in unstructured environments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills to build trust with clients and engage them in health promotion and services.
• Ability to monitor, report, and analyze health issues affecting the target population.
• Proficiency in education, presentation, and community development approaches.
• Computer literacy and data entry skills.

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