Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse (RN/RPN) - Access and Assessment Center (AAC)

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 $41.42/Hr. - CAD $55.91/Hr.
Job Summary

Come work as a Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at the Access and Assessment Centre at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a client and family centered care model and in accordance with British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, as well as the established vision and values of the organization, provides individualized direct nursing care, discharge planning and case 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 practice and the client-centred rehabilitation program by working independently and as a member of a team. Enhances quality of life from the perspective of the client/family. Performs physical and psychosocial rehabilitation assessments. Consults, confers and collaborates with other health care givers and family members to develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. Administers prescribed medicines, monitors client response and provides/demonstrates ongoing information to the client/family on activities of daily living, use of medication and side-effects and integration of illness to their lifestyle. Prepares and maintains client records according to established standards, participates in team meeting, engages in team planning and quality improvement activities and maintains and updates own knowledge.

About the Access and Assessment Centre (AAC): 

The AAC provides a range of Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) services for City of Vancouver residents (ages 17+) for non-urgent, ugent, and non-emergent intervention. AAC is the central point of access for all referrals for VCH Community MHSU Services in Vancouver. Services include referral intake, on-site assessment, crisis intervention, and short-term treatment. The goal is to connect a person to the right services and resources at the right time, striving to provide low-barrier access to client-centered care and support. 

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Completion of a minimum 6 week or 240 hours of clinical practicum/preceptorship in a mental health setting supplemented by completion of coursework in mental health or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent disorders, substance use and abuse, harm reduction strategies including assessment and intervention.

Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of conceptual models of psychiatric care including: person and family centered care, trauma-informed care, recovery model in mental illness and psychosocial rehabilitation methodology.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.

Demonstrated knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.

Demonstrated knowledge of impact of social, cultural and family systems on health outcomes.

Demonstrated ability to provide nursing assessments and interventions such as facilitating group process, conflict resolution, crisis interventions, individual and group counselling.

Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans and anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated client group.

Demonstrated ability to participate in the development and deliverya of educational programs and materials for clients and families based on education theories, principles and best practices.

Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.

Demonstrated ability to document client care on appropriate systems/forms in accordance with organizational and unit standards in a timely and accurate manner.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.

Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students.

Demonstrated skill in performing autonomous scope of practice and standards of care relevant to designated client population.

Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.

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

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 Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.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 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.