Registered Nurse, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency (CAPE), Child and Adolescent Mental Health - BC Children’s Hospital

Registered Nurse, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency (CAPE), Child and Adolescent Mental Health

BC Children’s Hospital
Vancouver, BC

A first in Canada: minimum Nurse‑to‑Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are being introduced in B.C.! The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), alongside B.C.'s other regional health authorities, is implementing mNPRs as a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients. Learn more at jobs.phsa.ca/mnpr.

This Regular, Full-Time opportunity is with the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency (CAPE).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Emergency (CAPE)

6-bed unit providing emergency psychiatric assessments and stabilization for children in crisis (up to age 16). CAPE is a short-term stay unit with an average stay of three to five days.

What is Child and Adolescent Mental Health

BC Children's Hospital provides a comprehensive mental health program for children and youth who are experiencing severe mental and emotional distress or serious psychiatric symptoms. Programs vary from emergency care to inpatient units to specialized services such as the off-campus eating disorders programs offered through the Looking Glass Residence.

Imagine your dream career with Child and Adolescent Mental Health

What you’ll do

Maintain patient records by performing activities such as collecting and documenting information including health care information regarding patients and their families, nursing observations, telephone communications, interventions, teaching and care evaluations to ensure that patient records are current and complete.
Plan direct care for the patient by performing activities such as reviewing patient/family history, developing a care plan specific for the patient and family, and meeting with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan.
Provide direct patient care and support, including physical, psychiatric and meal support, to patients in accordance with operational policy and standards specific to the service area. Collaborate with other members of the health care team to evaluate patient care.
Teach by providing and explaining information, demonstrating procedures and use of equipment, checking the learner’s use of procedures, techniques and equipment and evaluating the effectiveness of the selected teaching methods.
Identify own learning needs, reviews these with the Program Director, or delegate, and engage in a variety of activities to meet these needs.
Participate in the orientation and continuing education of staff and students by preceptoring and role-modelling.
Act as a clinical resource/support person to patients and families and nursing and health care professionals by explaining the theoretical rationale for nursing decisions.
Participate as a member of the health care team through contributing information in rounds, committees, and staff meetings.
Provide input to the Program Director, or delegate, regarding policies, procedures and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions which address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.
Maintain a safe environment for patients, families and staff by following established emergency procedures and safety practices and procedures.
Promote the implementation and evaluation of nursing research and quality monitoring activities as directed by participating in nursing committees, and by keeping current through attendance at education and in-service opportunities.
Perform other professionally related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
One (1) year of recent related clinical experience working within a child and/or youth mental health setting relevant to the service area within the BC Children’s Mental Health Program or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BCCH contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

Knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral, social, emotional and mental health/psychiatric problems in children and youth; subspecialties areas such as Eating Disorders, Neuropsychiatry, etc.
Broad knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice including collaborative problem solving.
Knowledge of child and youth developmental theory.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to children/adolescents and their families.
Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of multidisciplinary care team, work independently, and function as a nursing resource.
Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve, and deal with conflict.
Ability to demonstrate effective CPR techniques.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time Salary Range: $41.42 - $59.52 per hour Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9 Hours of Work: Rotating; 0700-1900, 0730-1930, 1100-2300, 1930-0730 Requisition # 206116E

** Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at Child and Adolescent Mental Health!

*If you are a new grad (graduated in the last 18 months and have NOT completed the new grad program at another health authority), we ask all new grads apply to one posting. You can find the posting and more information about our new grad program through this link:http://www.phsa.ca/careers/nursing-careers/new-graduate-nursing-careers*

What we do

BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia.

BCCH is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

PHSA and BCCH are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA, BCCH, and SHHC are committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on November 1, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].