Mental Health Nurse

minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs)

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is proud to be part of the provincial implementation of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs), an initiative aimed at enhancing nursing practice and strengthening quality of care across the health system. mNPRs set the minimum number of nurses providing care to patients on a given unit. In British Columbia, mNPRs are developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) and health organizations. Guided by our values: We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning and We Strive for Better Results, we remain committed to fostering quality practice and learning environments where nurses can grow and thrive.

Description

JOB SUMMARY:Provide individualized direct nursing care and brokerage services to a wide range of clients with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dementia and is responsible for the full range of clinical practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team. Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family. Performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments. Consults, confers and collaborates with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plan. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. Administers prescribed medicines, monitors client response and demonstrates and provides ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle. Prepares and maintains client records according to established standards, participates in team meeting, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities and maintains and updates own knowledge.Practices within the context of a client and family centred care model and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice for registered nurses or registered psychiatric nurses) and Code of Ethics. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values or the organization as well as the concept of the client and family care model.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).Diploma in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing plus two (2) years’ recent related experience working with individuals with severe and persistent psychiatric illness or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver’s license and local area travel may require the use of a vehicle, as required.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of the principles and practices of a client and family centered recovery model in mental illness.Knowledge of concurrent disorders.Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff. Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.Ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.Ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, other groups and community agency personnel.Knowledge of trauma-informed care.Demonstrated ability in nursing practice related to assessment of behaviour and to assisting clients to regain or improve their coping abilities, and to prevent further disability.Demonstrated ability to lead and co-lead group sessions.Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans.Demonstrated ability to assess client responses to care, and to respond appropriately.Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve and set priorities.Demonstrated ability to participate in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials for clients and families based on education theories, principles and best practices.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to counsel and teach clients and their families.Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students.Demonstrated ability to provide leadership through initiative and independence.Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.

Details

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.