Direct Care Nurse, Minimum and Medium Security Units FPS, Forensic Psychiatric Services - BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Direct Care Nurse, Minimum and Medium Security Units FPS, Forensic Psychiatric Services

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Port Coquitlam, BC

As of April 1, 2024 this position may qualify for a one-time recruitment incentive up to $30,000 (subject to funding availability).

To learn more about this incentive and if you qualify, please reach out to Renate Coyle at

What you’ll do

• Provide direct care in accordance with the care plan by methods such as performing protocols and interventions, implementing behaviour management strategies and meeting care recipient needs;
• applying approved techniques, procedures and treatments; administering prescribed medication. Recognize and identify signs and symptoms, and detect changes in patients’ conditions;

report and record as indicated.

Collect and document patient health care information. Maintain complete and accurate records of nursing observation, interventions and evaluation of nursing care.

Maintain complete and accurate records of telephone communications as well.

• Plan direct care and contributes to the physical and psychological well-being of the patients by methods such as assessing clinical requirements, status and condition of care recipients;
• developing care plans based on identified needs, participating in various interdisciplinary assessment and screening processes, and including patient and family, when appropriate, in planning nursing care;

and implementing care plans, evaluating outcomes and revising plans to address gaps and to respond to the needs of care recipients.

Consult with nurses, members of the interdisciplinary team and other health care professionals and accesses any other available resources in relation to overall care planning issues.

Meet with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan. Maintain liaison between nurses, physicians, family, and community resources for individual patients to ensure continuity of care.

Support patients with psychosocial, life, and personal care skills by methods such as teaching and providing guidance to patients, supervising and participating in routine care of the patients including personal hygiene and maintaining normal body functions;

utilizing accepted modalities such as Social Learning Theory, role-playing, and group therapy; and identifying and pursuing advocacy issues on behalf of patients.

• Maintain a safe environment for patients, families and staff, which may extend to patients attending off unit activities or programs by following established emergency procedures and safety practices and procedures, assuming responsibility for unit security, and directing tasks specific to the maintenance of security in order to provide for appropriate care delivery.
• Identify own learning needs, reviews these with the Clinical Nurse Leader or Clinical Services Manager, and engage in a variety of activities to meet these needs.
• Participate in team meetings, continuing education, conferences, and / or corporate initiatives by methods such as providing input from a nursing perspective, presenting relevant material, acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program, and promoting optimal support for patients.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
• One (1) year of recent experience working in a forensic or acute psychiatric hospital setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Knowledge

• Current and updated knowledge of changes and developments in the practice of psychiatric nursing and of applicable Federal and Provincial legislation the Criminal Code of Canada, Forensic Psychiatry Act, the Mental Health Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Young Offenders Act, Public Trustee Act).
• Broad knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural, social emotional and mental health / psychiatric issues in adults.
• Broad knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools.
• Demonstrated organizational, facilitation, decision making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain records, charts, and reports.
• 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 operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have : 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.).

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.

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

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

The Provincial Health Services Authority () 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 Cultivate partnerships Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs :

PHSA and BCMHSUS is 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 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 .

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.