Indigenous Liaison Nurse (RN/RPN)

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) invites applications for a Nursing position in Indigenous Health at West Coast General Hospital, Port Alberni. Under the Manager, Indigenous Health, plans, organizes, implements and evaluates nursing care for Indigenous clients across community and hospital settings, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires RN/RPN registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives, a valid BC Driver's License, and at least two years' experience

Qualifications

• Registered with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN/RPN.
• Valid BC Driver's License.
• Knowledge of Community Health & Long Term Care Services within geography for Indigenous clients.
• Knowledge of the significance of culture in relation to health services.
• Knowledge of Indigenous health resources on Vancouver Island (First Nation, Métis, Inuit).
• Understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenous racism and its impact on health outcomes.
• Knowledge of Indigenous identify groups and culturally safe care.
• Indigenous course work and education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate nursing care for Indigenous clients in community and hospital settings.
• Provide case management, health teaching, and referrals within a multidisciplinary team.
• Support client self-care and independence.
• Ensure compliance with Acts and regulations applicable to nursing functions.
• Travel to remote communities by boat, plane or road as required.

Skills

Nursing process

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Professional judgment

Workload prioritization

Verbal and written communication

Adaptability

Cultural safety

Independence and initiative

Education

RN/RPN registration

BC Driver's License

Indigenous health knowledge

Indigenous culture awareness

Indigenous health courses/education

2+ years Indigenous community experience

Job description

West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) - Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4S1 CA (Primary)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

0700 - 1812

Days Off

Rotating

Vacancy Type

Temp FT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$41.42 - $59.52

Paid FTE

1.0

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

75

Planned Start Date

Oct. 8 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Jan. 7 2027

Pending Return of Incumbent

Yes

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Required for Professional Registration

Job Description

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, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

• 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.

Skills And Abilities

• 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.

We are committed to reconciliation and Indigenous leadership in health care. This position is open to all qualified applicants, with preference given to qualified First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. We value lived experience and encourage applicants to share how their experience contributes to our shared purpose of improving health outcomes through culturally safe leadership.Travel to remote communities by boat, plane or logging road may be a requirement.

Additional Clauses

Priority access will be given to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit) candidates.