Come work as a Nurse Practitioner with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Summary:

The successful candidate(s) will be part of a healthcare team that shares a shared vision of improving care for adolescents and young adults as they transition from pediatric to adult care. The team will be comprised of pediatric urology, adult urology, and two nurse practitioners with primary care training to deliver a holistic (as opposed to solely urologic) approach to care. This team is envisioned to be a partnership between primary care and specialist expertise and strives to foster collaboration and support amongst its members. Beyond clinical care, the successful candidate(s) will also play an important role in further development of this unique initiative.  This position offers flexibility with regards to FTE appointment and in-person versus virtual care days.

Background:

The Ledcor Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology is a unique initiative in the Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Coastal Health that aims to improve the care and experience of patients and families as they transfer from the pediatric to adult health care system. This clinic will be led by nurse practitioners, preferably with primary care training, to serve as the primary contact for patients aged 15-25 years of age and/or their caregiver.  The patient population will comprise of those previously managed by pediatric urology and the spina bifida/spinal cord clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, which is approximately 30 patient graduates per year.  In the current state, these patients would age out from the pediatric system at 17 years of age and would have to rely solely on adult specialists and an adult primary care provider for their healthcare needs.

The Role of the Transition Clinic Nurse Practitioner (NP):

Prior to graduating from the pediatric health care system, patients are expected to have a primary care provider and their relevant adult specialist healthcare team established.  The nurse practitioner at the clinic will co-manage patients aged 15-25 years of age. The transition clinic NP serves as an available avenue for patients that require assessment for acute health concerns such as suspected non-febrile urinary tract infections, prescription management and refills, mental health concerns such as anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed, and arranging relevant investigations as indicated. The NP will also provide longitudinal care, with particular focus on care coordination with different healthcare providers and specialists, co-management of common mental health conditions and concerns that patients may experience during this adjustment period, and helping patients and families navigate the adult health care system. Lastly, the NP will also take part in quality improvement initiatives and/or research to further our understanding and approach in providing patient and family care during this important juncture in their healthcare journey, and for future advocacy initiatives. 

Patients enrolled in The Ledcor Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology will reside from across British Columbia. Thus, it is anticipated that some of the care delivery and coordination will be via virtual platform. The NP will have an on-site office at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre with access to examination rooms and clerical support.

VCH is pleased to announce we will now reimburse Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for the cost of the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), upon successful completion, for NP candidates who have not yet completed the exam, and who are hired into a regular or temporary position with VCH. The OSCE reimbursement is in the form of a forgivable loan, which is forgiven after one (1) year of continuous employment in a regular or temporary position with VCH.

As a Nurse Practitioner with VCH you will:

• The comprehensive assessment of patients including diagnosing diseases/disorders, and conditions.
• Initiating treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions, and employer policies and procedures.
• Providing professional guidance to other health professionals and participates autonomously as a member of the interdisciplinary health teams.
• Participating in quality improvement initiates and/or research, further contributing to improving patient care and advances in nursing, health policy development and population health.

Education & Experience

• Current registration as a Nurse Practitioner with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Four (4) years of recent, and relevant clinical nursing experience.
• Successful completion of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) required.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to perform the full scope of NP duties and responsibilities.
• Applies for and maintains core and non-core privileges, as required by the program, as active medical staff within the VCH Regional Department of Nurse Practitioners and cross-appointments as described in the VCH Medical Staff Rules and Medical Bylaws.
• Ability to apply knowledge of developmental stages, behavioral sciences, pathophysiology, psychopathology, epidemiology, and evidence-based practice to clinical diagnosis and patient management.
• Ability to apply knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to prescribing and evaluating treatment responses.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self care and prognosis.
• Ability to collaborate, consult with and formally refer clients and patients to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate.
• Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices; ability to introduce education and evidence-based research.
• Ability to assess and recognize population health trends; ability to plan and implement strategies for population based prevention and health promotion.
• Ability to implement and evaluate planned change.
• Ability to define the specific areas of practice and client population for whom the position is competent to provide health care services.
• Ability to apply lead leadership skills within a program and team setting.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Interested in applying? Feel free to reach out to Olivia Todd, Executive and Medical Staff Talent Acquisition Advisor: medstaffcareers@vch.ca or click “Apply Now.”

Please note that a resume and coverletter are required to apply for this position.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.