Psychiatric Emergency Care Nurse (RN/RPN)

Close Date
Sep. 6 2026
Location
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) - Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7 CA (Primary)
Work Area (FBA Only)
Multi-Site
No
Travel Requirement
No travel required
Shift Start Time/End Time
0700-1905 / 1900-0705
Days Off
Rotating
Vacancy Type
Temp FT
Salary Range (Hourly Rate)
$41.42 - $59.52
Paid FTE
1
Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS
75
Planned Start Date
Oct. 11 2026
Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)
Feb. 29 2028
Pending Return of Incumbent
Yes
CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)
Required for Professional Registration
Job Description
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Reports to the Coordinator or designate and functions as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver psychiatric emergency services, crisis intervention and stabilization care in accordance with the unit/program philosophy, competency guidelines and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice. The nurse is responsible for responding to crisis/emergency situations of patient/clients in the Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit, Using a crisis intervention model, the nurse will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment of the patient/client and an in-depth risk assessment. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the nurse will contribute to the patient care plan, referral and/or discharge plan in partnership with patient, caregiver/family and appropriate community services.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training And Experience
Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. A minimum of two (2) years recent experience working with persons with acute mental illness and/or addiction, including working with multi-disciplinary teams, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Working knowledge of relevant legislation. Knowledge of the Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Current CPR Basic Rescuer certification.
Skills And Abilities
Ability to conduct assessments of physical status, mental status and risk assessment.
Ability to apply addictions theory and management of withdrawal
Ability to apply crisis intervention and stabilization principles
Ability to apply common screening tools for mental illness and addictions
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Demonstrated ability in establishing therapeutic relationships
Demonstrated ability to organize assigned workload and set priorities
Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a variety of internal and external contacts, including co-workers, physicians, community agency representatives, patient/clients, and families/ significant others
Ability to operate related equipment including computers and related software
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
Link to Full Job Description
https://jd.viha.ca/JD3166.pdf
Additional information for applicants
A first in Canada: minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are here in BC! Island Health, alongside BC's other health authorities, is implementing mNPRs as a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients.
Additional Clauses
BCNU: PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL BE POSTED FOR 72 HOURS. NOTE CLOSING DATE.
Recent negotiations with the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) have resulted in changes to the hiring language in the Collective Agreement ( Article 18.01- First Consideration). The internal application process for nurse postings has been changed to ensure that you are aware of the need to provide the following relevant information with your application (within your Cover Letter and/or Resume).
1) Qualifications (Education & Experience): Please list how you meet the qualification requirements as noted in the job posting.
2) Qualifications (Skills & Abilities): Please explain how you meet each of the critical unit specific skills and abilities to work successfully in this position on this unit. Refer to the Job Posting for Skills & Abilities.
The change to application process will help managers determine if internal applicants meet education and experience qualifications, and have the necessary unit skills and abilities contained in the job description.
Requisition CA
Nurses Bargaining Association
Affiliation/Union
BCNU

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