Overview

RN/RPN, Substance Use Services at Fraser Health Authority

Salary: CAD $41.42 - $59.52 per hour

Fraser Health is the second largest health system in Canada with over 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers, and is the largest of five regional health authorities in British Columbia, providing hospital and community-based health services to nearly 2 million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively with the interprofessional care team, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse provides and coordinates the delivery of nursing care services to clients experiencing problematic substance use. This includes assessment, referrals, counselling, client and family teaching and follow-up as required, and health promotion activities. Demonstrates nursing expertise and provides clinical leadership in evidence-based practice through direct care activities including nursing assessments, crisis intervention, treatment and group facilitation.

Responsibilities

- Plans and provides direct nursing care to clients in compliance with standards of practice by performing activities such as reviewing client/family history, conducting physical/psychosocial assessments, developing a care plan specific for the client and collaborating with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan.
- Processes physician or nurse practitioner orders through methods such as initiating unit standing orders, administering medications, carrying out treatments and monitoring and documenting the effects.
- Manages emergencies including drug overdose, heart attack, assaultive behaviour and seizures by responding appropriately and in accordance with established policies and procedures, including initiating CPR and/or alerting ambulance and/or police.
- Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of client/family issues by participating in client care conferences, rounds and staff meetings.
- May provide general and crisis counselling to clients who present to the Emergency Department, IPU, and medical wards, including short-term follow-up in accordance with approved treatment plans; teaches clients and family members about illness prevention, health maintenance and health promotion strategies.




- As assigned, demonstrates and articulates the responsibility of the authorized RN/RPN prescriber to the interprofessional team and identifies when client needs exceed RN/RPN scope of practice.
- Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities, such as identifying high-risk situations, evaluating changes in nursing practice, and contributing to safety audits and policy/procedure updates.
- Acts as a clinical resource to clients, families and health care professionals by explaining the rationale for nursing decisions and providing clinical consultation; participates in training and continuing education of nursing staff and students.
- Maintains clinical records, including electronic health information, progress notes, interventions, teaching, and discharge summaries to ensure records are current and complete.
- Performs intake functions, conducts mental health assessments, develops and adjusts comprehensive treatment plans, administers prescribed medications, and monitors mental state and response to treatment to ensure client-centered care.
- Maintains a safe environment by adhering to safety and emergency practices and reporting risks to the Client Care Coordinator.
- Participates in program development and delivery of clinical services, including internal conferences and evaluating new or existing client program activities and treatment approaches.
- Identifies own learning needs and engages in activities to meet learning goals.
- Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and procedures, and refers unusual inquiries to the Client Care Coordinator.
- Plans and delivers educational sessions to clients, families, and other service providers on topics such as detoxification, relapse prevention, stress management, wellness, self-care, problem solving and coping skills; facilitates group sessions using various therapeutic approaches in collaboration with the interprofessional team.
- Provides outreach nursing care to clients in home settings when applicable, assesses substance use/dependence, monitors withdrawal symptoms,



and facilitates access to care as needed.
- Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education, Training & Experience

Graduation from an approved Nursing Program with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Completion of approved addictions or substance use training or certificate program, and one year of related experience in an addictions environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. May require current Standard First Aid and CPR level C. May require skills in facilitating psycho-educational groups, a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a vehicle. May require eligibility for the BC Provincial Opiate Addiction Treatment Support Program course and approved related preceptorship.

Skills and Abilities

- Ability to complete mental health and substance use assessments and provide nursing care including crisis intervention.
- Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment; psychopharmacology; counselling and group facilitation; relevant legislation and government policies.
- Effective verbal and written communication with clients, families, and interprofessional teams.
- Ability to promote person-centered care, cultural safety, and advocacy for diverse populations.
- Ability to educate clients and families about health care topics; organize and prioritize work; collaborate with the team; use evidence-informed practice to support nursing decisions; operate related equipment and computer applications.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

About Fraser Health

Fraser Health serves over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive, equitable and culturally protected work environment.

Safety Notice

IMPORTANT: Recruitment scam warning — Fraser Health will not ask for money or payment or require you to download or install an app during our recruitment process. Be vigilant about unverified sources.

Job Details

- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Health Care Provider
- Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

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📌 RN/RPN, Substance Use Services (White Rock)
🏢 Fraser Health Authority
📍 White Rock