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.

The salary range for this position is CAD $41.42/Hr. - CAD $55.91/Hr.

Come work as a Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse (RN/RPN) with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at Kitsilano Adult Mental Health in Vancouver, BC! Apply now to join the team!

 

Within the context of a client and family-centred framework and continuum based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision and values of the organization including commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, with the support of a Clinical Mentor, the Mental Health and Substance Nurse, Mentee provides person-centered direct nursing care and care coordination 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 practices and person-centred psychosocial rehabilitation by working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family. Performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments. Consults, confers and collaborates with team members, family members and community-based service providers to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment and care plans. 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 life. Prepares and maintains client records according to established professional and organizational standards, participates in team meetings, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities and maintains and updates own knowledge. Actively seeks guidance and feedback from the Clinical Mentor in order to build on and develop practice area expertise.

 

This is an opportunity for RN/RPNs who has a passion and interest in building their career in the Community Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) field. Mentorship may be available.  

 

Kitsilano Mental Health Team 

This team meets the health needs of adults 19 years of age and older with moderate to severe mental health and substance use, and conceurrent MHSU disorders or conditions. Clients at Kits may be ready for services, interested in exploring services, or reluctant to engage with team services. As readiness is dynamic, the team is avaialable to support all levelts of interest and readiness. Some of our clients may be required to attend services under the BC Mental Health Act conditions of extended leave. 

Education & Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Valid BC Driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes, as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of a client and family centered recovery model in mental illness. Knowledge of concurrent disorders.
• Knowledge of evidence based nursing practice related to substance abuse treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice, Harm Reduction approaches and strengths-based care.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
• 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.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

 

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.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• 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

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 BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.