Psychiatric Clinical Resource Nurse (RN/RPN) - Emergency Room

minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs)

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.

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $49.20/Hr. - CAD $63.47/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as a Psychiatric Clinical Resource Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Registered Nurse or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse to join the Emergency Department at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC. Apply today to join our team!

About the Vancouver General Hospital Emergency Department

Our ED sees over 93,000 patients a year and is a Level 1 Trauma Centre with 24/7 access for patients requiring care for trauma, interventional cardiology, stroke, and other specialty areas of care. With 70+ patient care spaces, the ED is divided into acute care, trauma, mental health, and lower-acuity zones - offering a dynamic, fast-paced environment for clinicians to grow and make an impact every shift.

VGH ED is one of BC’s busiest and most dynamic emergency departments. We care for a diverse urban population and critically ill patients from across the province.

Staff work in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment alongside expert multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to trauma, cardiac, stroke, and critical care cases. With strong leadership, ongoing education, and opportunities for growth, VGH ED is a place to make a real difference every shift.

As a Psychiatric Clinical Resource Nurse with VCH you will:

• Provide leadership and applies specialized theory and knowledge relating to designated/specific patient/client populations to promote the delivery of safe, ethical and quality care.
• Acts as a clinical resource by providing consultation and clinical support to the interdisciplinary care team, other professionals and students.
• Promote excellence in patient/client centered care and education.
• Coordinate patient flow between programs and discharge planning, including but not limited to: Emergency Department, Psychiatric Inpatient Units, first responders and community providers.
• Provide input into the care of patients with mental health concerns awaiting transfer for further assessment or inpatient admission.
• Act as a clinical resources, provides consultative and direct services/care to clients, families, community health professionals/agencies, law enforcement, physicians and as well as Emergency Department staff, when required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) years’ recent related experience providing treatment services to individuals within the designated client population with mental health and substance use issues or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience.
• Completion of the Non-violent crisis intervention course.
• Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel will require the use of a personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide clinical leadership and work direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability in nursing practice related to clients with severe and persistent psychiatric illness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of concurrent disorders, substance use and abuse, harm reduction strategies including assessment and intervention.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, theory, and practices of conceptual models of psychiatric care including person and family centered care, trauma-informed care, recovery model in mental illness and psychosocial rehabilitation methodology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Knowledge of relevant clinical practice standards/guidelines and care pathways.
• Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient/client/resident care.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally on a one to one and group setting.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with and/or guide others in resolution of conflict issues.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking skills in the approach to patient/client/resident care.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and support staff through transition.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a project or initiative.
• Demonstrated skill in the application of techniques appropriate to the assessment and treatment of designated patient/client/resident population utilizing best available evidence informed practice.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff/patients/clients/residents and families based on education theories, principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a supportive, creative learning environment and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Knowledge of basic research, . research ethics, research question, hypothesis and qualitative and quantitative data analyses methods.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system as well as applicable word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Closing Statement

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
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

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.