Indigenous Health Liaison Nurse in Surrey

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. Our team of 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

We are currently looking for Nurses to join us, working with Indigenous Health and Wellness teams across the Fraser Health Region. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a team model with a coordinated approach to ensure safe, effective, and timely care for patients. Fraser Health Authority values diversity within the workplace. For this position, we also want to highlight that First Nations, Inuit, Metis or Aboriginal ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for excellence in the position. Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal Ancestry.

Detailed Overview: Reporting to the Coordinator, Indigenous Health Liaison Team, plans, organizes, and evaluates health care needs and services for Indigenous clients in community and hospital settings. Nursing care includes assessments, health teaching to clients, support, consultation, liaison, and referral to appropriate services. This position will facilitate connections between Indigenous clients and service providers to enhance access to Fraser Health services, with a culturally appropriate approach.

• Acts as Indigenous Health liaison for clients, families, service providers, and community agencies to enhance service delivery by consulting with the client, family and service providers to develop a care plan and forward necessary information to appropriate community services/agencies.
• Conducts client assessments and screenings that include evaluation of emotional, physical, spiritual and mental status of client using information from all available sources.
• Clarifies client and family expectations and acts as a client advocate.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team regarding Indigenous Health.
• Identifies clients and refers to appropriate services, as eligible.
• Communicates with and obtains assistance from appropriate community agencies to ensure the best possible care for clients and families after discharge from hospital.
• Provides health education and health promotion services to individuals, families, and Indigenous communities to increase knowledge regarding health, promoting behaviour change to a health lifestyle, and encouraging personal responsibility for health.
• Acts in public relations and advocacy capacity to represent Indigenous Health to medical staff and other service providers and to community agencies and their staff by maintaining up to date knowledge of Indigenous Health.
• Provides collegial sharing of information to staff for the purpose of enhancing knowledge of Indigenous cultures and health beliefs.
• Provides information on services available in the community for Indigenous people.
• Participates in committees that integrate Indigenous Health with hospital and community programs by providing input and addressing Indigenous Health issues.
• Provides information, interpretation and guidance to general public, agencies, Boards, etc. on Acts and Regulations applicable to nursing functions.
• Reviews and adapts relevant information material.
• Participates in continuing education programs to keep up to date with current trends and research.
• Assists with orientation of new staff, students, and other health care professionals.
• Maintains knowledge of community health services and resources.
• Maintains related records, documentation and statistics.
• Prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Graduation from an approved school of nursing including public health nursing component. Two (2) years' recent, relevant nursing experience. Knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocol and cultural issues. Valid BC Drivers Licence and have access to own vehicle.

Skills And Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge of nursing process, epidemiology, family health, health promotion, and community development. Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate. Ability to organize and problem solve. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated teaching skills. Ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community. Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports. Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture and community resources and agencies. Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to Indigenous populations. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.

About Fraser Health: Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region. People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 50,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers. We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner. Together, we are the heart of health care.