Practical Nurse à United States

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.

Reporting to the Manager or designate and utilizing a holistic approach for client assessments, planning, organizing, and implementing care following the bio-psychosocial-spiritual model, and in accordance with established standard, policies and practices. The Nurse provides care to clients with substance abuse/co-occurring disorders through all phases and in a variety of community settings such as detox, stabilization, in-home, and out-reach for withdrawal management at various locations.

Travel may be a requirement of this position and 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.

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Up to two years recent related experience working with clients with addictions and concurrent disorders in a variety of settings including detox, stabilization, in-home and outpatient.

Knowledge of the Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (2nd ed). Current CPR certification. Knowledge of applicable legislation. Knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current First Aid certification. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certificate within first three (3) months of employment.

Experience working with adults and youth with mental health and substance use issues.

Valid BC Driver's License.

• Working knowledge of chemical dependency, including the pathophysiology of substance abuse and withdrawal.
• Working knowledge of the bio-psychosocial spiritual model of care and best practices for co-occurring disorders.
• Working knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work with seriously addicted and mentally ill clients and their families.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve problems.
• Ability to work independently, organize workload, and establish and carry out priorities.
• Ability to facilitate groups and demonstrate leadership through teaching, coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with internal and external contacts including community and facility contacts, staff, physicians, clients, families, agencies.
• Ability to tolerate stress and deal with a wide range of medical, mental health, behavioural and emotional issues.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment; basic computer skills.