We're Hiring: Casual Clinic Nurse - Westshore Health Centre

Summary of the Position:

Work Location: Westshore AVI Health Clinic, 111-2787 Jacklin Rd

Hours of Work: Varied hours on  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9am-6pm, Wednesday from 9am-5pm and Friday from 10am -4pm

Start Date: ASAP

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@avi.org by 5pm on May 21, 2020. 

Westshore AVI Health Centre provides healthcare and support to people who have substance use disorders and are living in the Westshore area. During the current COVID 19 pandemic, most patients are not being seen in office and all seen patients are being screened before in-person attendance. As an employer, AVI is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and every precaution is being taken to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all staff. Tools, equipment and guidelines to ensure the wellness of the nurse will be provided

Job Summary:

The Clinic Nurse will work in partnership with our interdisciplinary team to provide patient centered healthcare including assessment, screening and education to support patients who are accessing substance use treatment.  The Clinic Nurse will use a harm reduction approach and is required to have sufficient clinical skills and experience to independently assess clients with complex health needs with the goal of improving health outcomes and facilitating access to services.  This position reports to the Manager of Westshore AVI Health Centre.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Provide care and support for individuals with substance use conditions, on site in clinic, and via outreach and online platforms
  2. Provide direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of acute and chronic illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, mental health and general health issues.
  3. Provide screening and assessment including blood draws, provide vaccines and injections and administer medications as ordered by clinic physicians
  4. Under the direction of the physician, provide PrEP, hepatitis C, and other treatments as directed
  5. Support adherence with patients on opiate agonist therapy (OAT)
  6. Develop manage, implement and adapt care plans with patient and team input
  7. Function well and work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team and with patients, community members, organizations and other healthcare providers
  8. Provide individual risk reduction counselling, harm reduction supplies and Naloxone trainings
  9. Assist patients to manage their care and navigate through the various services related to their care
  10. Provide education, information and appropriate referrals that are responsive to the needs of the patient to manage their health, enhance understanding of their health status, and managing their own health including anticipating challenges and barriers
  11. Other related duties including wound management, mental health support, disability applications and outreach visits.
  12. Active participation in staff meetings, trainings, educational forums, etc and engagement in community building and networking

Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years’ nursing experience in a community and/or multi-disciplinary setting
  • Experience in the areas of mental health, substance use, and blood-borne infections
  • Good knowledge of opiate agonist treatment (OAT), substance use disorder, STI and HCV testing and treatment adhering to best practices and harm reduction informed care
  • Certified to provide phlebotomy, immunizations, STI testing and Well Woman checks
  • Valid class 5 Driver’s License
  • Certified Registered Nurse in BC
  • Ability to work independently and part of a team
  • Excellent communication skills

Skills and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge in the areas of substance use, harm reduction/health promotion practices, safer using practices, HIV, Hepatitis C, poverty issues and mental health concerns
  • Working knowledge of CRNBC's Standards for Nursing Practice.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Understanding of diversity issues which takes into consideration the systemic barriers associated with poverty, mental health, substance use, histories of trauma, colonialism and gender discrimination
  • Ability to use computer effectively to complete documentation, data, and reports including experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
  • Ability to work with structurally vulnerable clientele
  • Knowledge of the principals of culturally competent care and sensitivity to working with people from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles
  • Understanding of the psycho-social issues affecting people who use substances
  • Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations
  • Ability to work independently and in cooperation with the team
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to organize and prioritize
  • Ability to establish and maintain rapport with patients and their families/caregivers
  • Ability to analyze and resolve problems
  • Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills
  • Advocacy skills

We encourage applications from, but not limited to, Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, persons living with disabilities, persons who use/d illicit drugs, persons with experience of sex work, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.