Psychiatric Nurse (RN/RPN)

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

Job summary

Island Health is seeking an experienced RN/RPN to provide clinical services to adults with severe mental illness in hospital and community settings. The role supports continuity of care, offers consultation to community agencies, and participates in service development under the Mental Health Services Director.

Two to three years of adult mental health experience and BC college registration are required, along with a valid driver’s license; the position is a temporary part-time role at 0.45 FTE

Qualifications

• Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN.
• Graduation from a recognized nursing program.
• Two to three years' direct experience in adult mental health.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical services to adults with severe mental illness in hospital and community settings.
• Ensure continuity of care across all phases of treatment and support.
• Offer consultation and education to community agencies and participate in service development.
• Represent mental health services on committees.

Skills

Mental health assessment

Clinical expertise in adults

Community linkages

Crisis management

Interpersonal skills

Autonomy and initiative

Team player

Ongoing professional development

Education

RN/RPN registration

Grad from recognized nursing program

2–3 years adult mental health experience

Valid driver's license

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Shift Start Time/End Time

0700-1905/1900-0705

Days Off

Rotating

Vacancy Type

Temp PT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$41.42 - $59.52

Paid FTE

0.45

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

32.01

Planned Start Date

Sep. 14 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Jan. 31 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 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 supervision of the Director, Mental Health Services, the position, as part of the adult mental health services team, is responsible for the provision of services to adults with severe acute or persisting mental illness. The position provides clinical services to clients in both the Hospital and Community settings; provides services that are continuous in all phases of care and support; provides consultation and education to community agencies; participates in service development for the target population; and represents mental health services on various committees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Graduation from a recognized nursing program. Two to three years' direct relevant experience dealing with adult mental health and a significant understanding of mental health issues pertaining to the adult mentally ill, the availability of programs and their function in delivering services to this population. A valid driver's licence.

Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of mental health assessment, treatment methodologies, intervention strategies and community dynamics.
• Clinical expertise in the full range of mental disorders in adults.
• Understanding of linkages with community groups and government agencies.
• Tact, patience and flexibility.
• Ability to remain calm in crisis situations.
• Sound judgement.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Non-judgmental attitude.
• Autonomy and initiative.
• Team player.
• Ongoing study and knowledge of trends and developments in the field of mental health clinical practice.

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.