Older Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN)

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.

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $49.20/Hr. - CAD $63.47/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as an Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN) on the Cambie Older Adult Mental Health team at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Position works with older adults who are experiencing dementia or have major psychiatric disorders, concurrent disorders and/or problems normally associated with aging and are at risk due to a combination of psychiatric symptoms, complex medical/social factors or significant caregiver stress. Duties include psychogeriatric assessments, crisis intervention, case coordination, treatment planning, consultation/liaison, facilitating/co-facilitating individual/group sessions, individual counseling and education and support to promote integration and continuity across the care continuum. Consults with general practitioners, caregivers and family members and works with staff in continuing and residential care as well as hospitals as appropriate. Coordinates community resources and provides educational programs as required. Establishes and maintains relationships with, and consults with, clients, their families and colleagues to provide appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client need. Shares knowledge and expertise with colleagues via consultations, in-services and presentations. Acts as a clinical resource for nurses and other health care providers in the hospital and community. May provide direct care as well as outreach services.

Practices within the context of a client and family centered care model, and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. 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 of the organization as well as with the concept of the resident/client and family centered care model.

About the Older Adult Mental Health and Substance Use program:

The Vancouver Community Older Adult MHSU program provides specialist support and treatment to older adults (generally aged 65 and older), with mental health, substance use, and concurrent MHSU disorders or conditions that co-exist with a combination of age-related psychological, cognitive, functional, physical and social needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) year’s recent related experience working in geriatric mental health and addictions or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid B.C. Driver’s License and use of a vehicle are required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of gerontology and geriatric psychiatry and nursing standards of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association and current practices in Older Adult Mental Health and Addiction.
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders.
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment of psychiatric clients including geriatric psychopathology of depression, delusions, delirium, dementia as well as principles of management of personality disorders.
• Knowledge of issues associated with aging, chronic illness and psychosocial factors such as caregiver issues, family dynamics and communication patterns.
• Knowledge of detoxification/withdrawal management, abstinence/harm reduction models of service for geriatric patients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and psychiatric services/community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to provide counseling, psycho-education and consultation services.
• Knowledge of the roles of both hospital and community geriatric services in client care and the ability to act as liaison between services.
• Knowledge of theories and systems of family dynamics and end-of-life issues.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform relevant assessments using validated tools.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate a holistic care plan including holistic, physical, behavioural, social and emotional factors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop rapport, trust and ethical relationships with clients/families, family care providers and other health care professionals and providers.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physician, and other health care staff, both one-on-one and in groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a consultative/collaborative manner as a team member, leader and facilitator.
• Demonstrated ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preference, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client, including abuse and neglect legislation.
• Demonstrated ability adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of theory and practice to a case management.
• Demonstrated ability to employ effective conflict resolution and reconciliation approaches and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff/patients/clients and families based on educations theories, principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of basic research, e.g. research ethics, research question, hypothesis and qualitative and quantitative data analyses methods.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, schedule and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of equipment and in the techniques appropriate to nursing treatment.
• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Closing Statement

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.