Mental Health Nurse (RN/RPN)

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Duncan; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority (Cowichan Lodge - Adult Tertiary Facility) seeks a Mental Health Nurse to deliver assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and client-centered programs in partnership with clients, families and community resources.

The role requires psychiatric nursing experience, BC RN/RPN registration, CPR certification, and a valid BC driver’s license, with travel between sites as needed within Island Health.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year's recent psychiatric nursing experience with adults.
• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN.
• Current CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide core mental health services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and client-centered supports.
• Collaborate with clients, families and community health resources to develop and implement rehabilitation plans.
• Contribute to monitoring and enhancement of the physical site and ensure safety.

Skills

Assessment planning

Medication monitoring

Team collaboration

Crisis intervention

Education

RN/RPN registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives

CPR certification

Valid BC driver’s license

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

0700-1500, 1500-2300

Days Off

Rotating

Vacancy Type

Regular PT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$41.42 - $59.52

Paid FTE

0.50

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

35.63

Planned Start Date

Sep. 3 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 Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), 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.

Under the general direction of the Coordinator Adult Tertiary, this individual serves as the Mental Health Nurse in Cowichan Lodge - Adult Tertiary Facility. As part of a Multi-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Team, the Mental Health Nurse provides core mental health services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for clients in partnership with client, family and community health care resources. In response to an identified client rehabilitation plan, develops, plans, implements, and maintains a full range of clinical services and client centered rehabilitation programs. Contributes to monitoring and enhancement of the physical site. Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

A minimum of one year's recent psychiatric nursing experience with adults with a variety of mental disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Current CPR certification required. Must hold a valid BC Driver's License and if required, must be able to obtain a class 4 Driver's License.

Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Recovery model; assessment and treatment and case management methodologies; learning theories of mental disorders and intervention strategies.

Knowledge of relevant mental health and legislation including legal statutory boundaries governing consumer rights.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate mental health treatment programs;
• Ability to administer and monitor the side effects of psychotropic medications and to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment;
• Ability to practice initiative, good interpersonal, crisis intervention, leadership and teaching skills and effective communication and counseling with individuals, families and groups;
• Ability to manage aggressive behaviour and to use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques where appropriate.

Successful completion of ATR within 3 months of hire is required. A first in Canada: minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are here in BC! Island Health, alongside BC's other health authorities, is implementing mNPRs as a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients.