Job Description: Public Health Nurse
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 shared responsibility. Continuous improvement of quality and safety is inherent in this position.
Reporting to the Manager or designate (Clinical Coordinator), the Public Health Nurse (PHN) is an integral part of the Public Health team. The PHN provides health promotion, disease prevention, education, assessment, counseling, and consultation services to individuals, groups, and communities, within the framework of population health promotion. Services are delivered in communities, homes, schools, and outreach locations.
Travel and use of a personal vehicle are required for this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Qualifications: Education, Training, and Experience
- Graduation from a recognized nursing program with a community or public health component.
- Two years of recent (within the last three years) related experience working with children, youth, and families, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant.
- Completion of the BCCDC online Immunization Course and Exam.
- Certificate from a College Level Post Baccalaureate course in Breastfeeding, including practical and theoretical components from a recognized institution.
- Completion of a Cultural Safety Course.
- Valid BC Driver's License.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to practice nursing within a relational model of care, offering client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care.
- Knowledge and application of an equity and social justice lens in nursing care and client relationships.
- Knowledge of community nursing theories (e.g., Parse's Theory of Nursing).
- Ability to engage in reflective practice within the work environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Public Health Act, School Act, and Infants Act.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, colleagues, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners.
- Understanding and application of nursing process, health promotion, epidemiology, public health ethics, disease prevention, and community development principles.
- Organizational and workload prioritization skills.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to apply evidence-based knowledge to support health-promoting behaviors in diverse populations.
- Flexibility, innovation, and resourcefulness in adapting to changes.
- Proficiency in operating related equipment and software programs.
- Effective assessment and problem-solving skills.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
For more details, refer to the full job description: https://jd.viha.ca/JD1119.pdf