RN/RPN, Substance Use Services

Salary: The salary range for this position is CAD $41.42 - $59.52 / hour.

Job Summary: Fraser Health is the second largest health system in Canada with over 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers, and is the largest of five regional health authorities in British Columbia, providing hospital and community‑based health services to nearly 2 million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We are committed to planetary health, value diversity in the workforce and seek to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring and Trust.

Detailed Overview: In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person‑centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse provides and coordinates the delivery of nursing care services to clients experiencing problematic substance use, such as assessment, referrals, counselling, client and family teaching and follow‑up as required and health promotion activities.

Responsibilities:

• Plans and provides direct nursing care to clients in compliance with standards of practice by performing activities such as reviewing client/family history, conducting physical/psychosocial assessments, developing a care plan specific for the client and collaborating with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan.
• Processes physician or nurse practitioner orders through methods such as initiating unit standing orders, administering medications, carrying out treatments and monitoring and documenting the effects.
• Manages emergencies including drug overdose, heart attack, assaultive behaviour and seizures through methods such as responding in a manner appropriate to the emergency and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of a variety of client/family issues.
• May be required to provide general and crisis counselling to clients who present to the Emergency Department, IPU, and medical wards.
• Teaches clients and family members about illness prevention, health maintenance and health promotion strategies.
• Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities.
• Acts as a clinical resource/support person to client and family as required.
• Maintains clinical records through methods such as collecting and documenting information regarding clients and their families.
• Performs intake functions, conducts mental health assessments, develops, implements, maintains and adjusts comprehensive treatment plans based on client needs.
• Maintains a safe environment for clients, visitors and employees.
• Participates in program development and in the delivery of clinical services.
• Identifies own learning needs/goals and engages in activities to meet these needs/goals.
• Facilitates group sessions utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioural, interpersonal, and supportive interventions.
• Provides outreach nursing care to clients in their home setting or suitable alternative.
• Transports and/or accompanies clients to physician appointments.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an approved Nursing Program with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Completion of approved addictions or substance use training, or substance use certificate program, and one year’s recent related experience working in an addictions environment.
• May require: current approved Standard First Aid Certificate and current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) level C.
• May require: Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use client assessment.
• Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to promote person‑centered care.
• Ability to educate clients and families/care givers about topics essential to their health care.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust.