Street Outreach Nurse - (211384)

Island Health; Port McNeill; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Street Outreach Nurse to focus on harm reduction and communicable disease prevention. This role involves working with high-risk populations, emphasizing clinical practice and education to improve health outcomes. The ideal candidate will have extensive nursing experience and a strong understanding of public health principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' nursing experience, with at least 2 years in public health.
• STI Certification with BC College of Nurses and Midwives.

Responsibilities

• Preventing and controlling communicable diseases.
• Support the Medical Health Officer in disease control.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Epidemiology

Counseling

Data Entry

Education

Graduation from a recognized nursing program

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives

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 role emphasizes continuous quality and safety improvements in all aspects of the position.

The Street Outreach Nurse is a vital part of the designated program, working under the direction of the Manager or designate. This role is grounded in harm reduction philosophy and focuses on duties related to preventing and controlling 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 these diseases, often facing mental health and addiction issues. The role is primarily clinical with an educational component. The 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, with 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 BC College of Nurses and Midwives; Immunization Competency BC.
• A valid BC driver's license.

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 (preferred).
• Enhanced understanding of harm reduction principles and cultural safety.
• Basic knowledge of mental health issues, substance use, and alcohol misuse.
• Clinical skills for examination and testing of communicable diseases, including venipuncture, pelvic exams, STI exams, Pap tests, TB skin tests, sputum tests, and lab result interpretation.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Skills in identifying drug-induced and intoxicated states and withdrawal symptoms.
• Violence prevention and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in unstructured environments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills to build trust with clients and engage them in health services.
• Ability to monitor, report, and present health-related issues to diverse audiences.
• Community development approach when working with clients and community groups.
• Computer literacy and data entry skills.

For more details, see the full job posting at https://jd.viha.ca/JD1115.pdf.