Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse (RN/RPN)

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

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) is seeking a Casual Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse (RN/RPN) to provide nursing assessments, interventions, and referrals within a community-based multidisciplinary team.

The role requires RN or RPN registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives, plus post-basic psychiatric education and at least two years of related experience. Valid BC Driver's License and knowledge of relevant acts are expected.

Qualifications

• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN.
• Post-basic education related to psychiatric nursing and/or mental illness.
• Two (2) years of recent related experience in mental health or addiction care.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and Guardianship Act.

Responsibilities

• Provide intake, nursing and clinical assessments, intervention, treatment, and referrals.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary care team in the community.
• Promote safety, quality care, and patient/family engagement.

Skills

Nursing assessment

Communication skills

Clinical nursing

Teamwork within multidisciplinary team

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Patient advocacy

Documentation

Empathy

Independent work

Education

RN or RPN Registration (BC College of Nurses and Midwives)

Post-basic psychiatric nursing education

Two years recent related experience

Knowledge of Mental Health Act / Guardianship Act

Valid BC Driver's License

Job description

Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse (RN/RPN) - (237452)

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

As Required

Days Off

As required

Vacancy Type

Casual

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$41.42 - $59.52

Paid FTE

n/a

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

n/a

Planned Start Date

Oct. 21 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Pending Return of Incumbent

No

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 and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Working in the community setting as a member of a multidisciplinary care team, the Mental Health & Addiction Services Nurse provides intake, nursing and clinical assessments, intervention, treatment, consultation and referral for clients experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and drug use problems and their caregivers/families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Recognized post basic education related to psychiatric nursing and/or mental illness. Two (2) years recent related experience. A significant understanding of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use issues. Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act. Knowledge of available programs, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community to persons with mental illnesses. Knowledge of mental health and/or alcohol and drug use assessments, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies, the change process, and community dynamics; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Apply nursing process as required and described in BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Demonstrate clinical competence congruent with the care and treatment of mental illness;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Deal with others effectively
• Sound organizational, problem solving and teaching skills
• Sound judgment, good observation and client assessment skills, tact and empathy
• Work independently, demonstrating initiative, with limited supervision
• Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Promote positive change and independence
• Prioritize and organize client demands made and care needs
• Physically and emotionally carry out the duties of the position
• Operate a personal computer with a variety of windows based software
• Foster good public relations
• Operate related equipment
• Maintain a commitment to continued professional development as required by the employer

A first in Canada: minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are here in BC! Island Health, alongside BC's other health authorities, is implementingmNPRsas a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients.