Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Mental Health and Substance Use

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 $32.84/Hr. - CAD $41.35/Hr.

Come work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Powell River, 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 Indigenous Cultural Safety, cultural humility and anti-racism principles and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Working independently and collaboratively as a member of an inter-professional care team performs optimized scope of practical nursing functions for clients with stable or predictable states of health within the designated area of care. This includes activities such as assessing, care planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting client care, and providing support to clients and their families. LPNs collaborate and care with clients and families who are experiencing health challenges related to, but not limited to, chronic disease, mental health, and substance use. Works collaboratively as a member of an inter-professional care team and in a team nursing approach with a Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RN/RPN) to care for clients with unpredictable outcomes or where the acuity or complexity of care requires a level of knowledge and skill beyond the scope of practice of an LPN. Maintains and advances clinical competence pursuant to the standards of practice of BCCNM for LPNs.

About Powell River, Bc

On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. Originally founded as a resource extraction centre - once home to the world's largest pulp and paper mill - Powell River now offers adventurers countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving. This area is host to world-class art galleries, tremendous dining opportunities, and memorable events and festivals.

On the doorstep of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island, the Powell River region offers an array of experiences for travelers of all kinds, no matter the season. Experience the legendary Sunshine Coast Trail and Powell Forest Canoe Route, rock-climb the Eldred Valley, snowshoe in the Knuckleheads; this is the adventure destination you've long been waiting for.

Education & Experience

• Graduation from a recognized program for Practical Nurses.
• Current practicing registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the BCCNM.
• Successful completion of additional education where Mental Health and/or Substance Use are the primary diagnosis as outlined by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
• Valid B.C. Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes (including client accompaniment) as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of mental health treatment within a client and family model of care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of other facilities and mental health resources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practice within the standards dictated by the BCCNM for Licensed Practical Nurses.
• Demonstrated knowledge of suicide and violence risk assessments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of common symptoms of various mental health diagnosis.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behaviour and use violence prevention and behavioural management techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• General of knowledge Trauma Informed Practice and 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 knowledge and ability to utilize recovery-oriented models of care.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with client.
• Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to work under the pressure of interruptions and adapt to changes.
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an inter-professional team.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Basic computer literacy to operate computerized clinical information system and word processing, internet and e-mail software.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

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 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 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.