Psychiatric Emergency Assessment & Treatment Nurse, RN/RPN

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Vancouver Coastal Health is hiring a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse for the Psychiatric Emergency Assessment and Treatment (PEAT) Unit in the Lions Gate Hospital Emergency Department in North Vancouver on a temporary onsite assignment. The role delivers urgent crisis assessment, stabilization and care planning within a recovery oriented, trauma informed, patient and family centered model, coordinating with the ED, psychiatry, first responders and community partners. Qualifications include current BCCNM registration and two years of recent mental health and substance use experience, strong head to toe assessments and crisis intervention skills, plus competence with NPWT, IV therapy and related equipment. Internal late applications are accepted; apply via the Internal Career Portal before the closing date, emphasizing collaboration, advocacy and safe, compassionate care.

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As per Article 17.02 (c) of the NBA collective agreement, an employee that accepts this Temporary position shall commit to remain in the appointment for the entire duration of this position.

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Description

JOB SUMMARY:Within a team-based model of care, the RN/RPN assesses, plans, implements and evaluates nursing care for patients and families across their lifespan within the Psychiatric Emergency Assessment and Treatment (PEAT) Unit within Lions Gate Hospital Emergency Department. The RN/RPN works within the context of a recovery-oriented care model and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of professional practice and Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses or Registered Psychiatric nurses and the established vision and values of the organization. Provides urgent, direct care to patients presenting in the emergency department and performs comprehensive physical, mental health and substance use assessments, crisis interventions, stabilization and care planning. Provides culturally safe, trauma informed, patient and family-centered care while applying medical management and/or self-care management principles including harm reduction to conduct assessments, identify problems, provide direct care and develop a plan of care. Acts as a resource for the interdisciplinary team by providing information based on nursing theory and practice related to patient’s care needs. Provides liaison support for patient care and patient flow between the PEAT program, Emergency Department, Mental Health Inpatient Unit, first responders, community health care providers and community partners/agencies including school counselors. Provides direct care to mental health and/or substance use patients awaiting transfer for further assessment or inpatient admission. Initiates and participates in case conferences and case management meetings, prepares and maintains patient records and provides consultative and direct services/care to patients, families, community health professionals/agencies, law enforcement, physicians and emergency room staff. Participates in team meetings, continuing education, conferences, and/or corporate initiatives and engages in on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two (2) years’ recent related mental health and substance use experience including experience with patients in emergency, urgent care and/or medical/surgical areas, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated ability to provide comprehensive head-to-toe nursing assessments and interventions related to common diagnosis and specific clinical situations relevant to the designated patient group (e.g. renal failure, wound care, diabetes, sepsis, intoxication, withdrawal).Demonstrated ability to perform focused secondary assessments and integrate information from a variety of sources including diagnostics and develops a plan of care relevant to the designated patient group.Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated patient group.Demonstrated ability in correct usage of equipment and maintains competency in working with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), oxygen delivery equipment, other care related pumps, catheters, tubes, suctions for the designated patient population.Demonstrated skill in the management of patients with altered immune response, acute/chronic pain management, anticoagulation therapy, patients with problematic substance use/withdrawal challenges. Demonstrated skill in Peripheral IV insertion, maintenance, blood collection, removal, and Tracheostomy care.Knowledge of the principles and practices of recovery-oriented conceptual models of mental health care including: person and family centered care, trauma-informed care, harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation.Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of patients and staff. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writingDemonstrated knowledge of impact of social, cultural and family systems on health outcomes.Demonstrated ability to plan and implement care plans and anticipate and respond to potential complications and care issues relevant to the designated patient group.Demonstrated ability to participate in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials for patients and families based on education theories, principles and best practices.Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma. Demonstrates ability and interest to provide advocacy for mental health and substance services, resources, education and patient care in a fast pace clinical department. 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 patient population. Demonstrated skill in clinical techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies.Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applicationsPhysical ability to perform the duties of the position.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.

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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.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.