Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The General Duty Nurse, FIR program provides nursing care to individuals with concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders, homelessness and physical health needs. Provides direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of acute and chronic illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, addictions, mental health and general health issues in the antenatal and postpartum/postnatal period. Performs physical, addiction and psychiatric assessments, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications. Observes, monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions including neonatal observation from possible exposure to substances in utero. Provides education and support to clients/groups using a health promotion approach. Works collaboratively with other health care professionals, client, family and community.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Provides direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, addictions, mental health and general health issues.  Performs physical, addiction and psychiatric assessments, collects specimens, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols and makes appropriate adjustments.
2.    Observes, monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities. Initiates and facilitates discharge planning; identifies referrals to other health professionals.
3.    Using the nursing process and BCCNP standards of nursing practice provides care services such as maternal, fetal/newborn/infant assessment and administration of ordered drugs and therapy. Cerates a therapeutic environment by providing teaching and counseling.

4.    Conducts initial and ongoing comprehensive nursing assessments of assigned patients, including ante partum and postpartum women and newborns.
•    Closely monitors and documents physical/emotional condition of the mother/fetus throughout all stages of detoxification and stabilization.
•    Monitors infants for signs of withdrawal and/or other deviations from the expected norm.

5.    Provides care and support to:
•    Chemically dependent women.
•    Mother/infant dyads during the early postpartum period, caring for the infant at the bedside (whenever possible), aiding the mother in watching for signs and symptoms of withdrawal.
•    Substance exposed babies in the nursery.
•    Babies requiring additional observation for reasons of medical instability.
•    Babies awaiting placement.

6.    Plans and coordinates in-hospital services required by the patient and her family, by referring to dietary services, physiotherapy, social work, life skills counseling, child life and/or lactation consultants.

7.    Develops a comprehensive care plan with the multidisciplinary team, focusing on identified addiction, biopsycho-social/spiritual challenges and discharge planning. Evaluates the outcome of care provided and modifies plan accordingly.

8.    Provides education and support to clients, families and groups using a health promotion approach regarding matters such as pregnancy, the birth experience, postpartum, newborn care and parenting, contraception, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and minor dermatology problems. Also provides counseling on reduction of risk behaviours which can result in infants being born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

9.    Prepares women and their families for discharge from hospital. Refers patients to Community Services as necessary. Liaises with the Ministry for Children & Family Development regarding discharge planning for the women and their infants, as required.

10.    Initiates emergency care for the women/fetus/newborn in crisis by following escalation of care protocols including potential transfer to a higher level of care such as labour and delivery, high acuity unit (HAU) or Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU) as per protocol. Obtains immediate assistance from relevant resources, such as Physician/Midwife/Nurse Practitioner, Patient Care Coordinator, Unit Perinatal Clinical Educator, Program Director and other team members as indicated.

11.    Contributes to a learning environment by preceptoring new orientees and nursing and other students and by supporting research endeavours in this specialty area.

12.    Takes responsibility for personal and professional development and provides a nursing perspective by attending multi-disciplinary/nursing in-services, rounds, conferences and committee meetings.

13.    Other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
•    Two (2) years’ recent experience providing acute or community health nursing care/services to clients who have concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders including one (1) year perinatal and nursery nursing experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
•    Current CPR/Newborn Resuscitation Certification.
•    Breastfeeding update, minimum 6 hours, in the last two years.
•    Fetal Health Assessment Certificate.


Skills and Abilities

•    Working knowledge of community health nursing theory including mental health and addictions, communicable diseases and practice within a client/family -centered approach.
•    Working knowledge of British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) Standards for Nursing Practice.
•    Knowledge of the BC Mental Health Act, other facilities and community resources.
•    Working knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques.  Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events
•    Ability to use maternal/fetal/newborn nursing theory and expertise.
•    Ability and knowledge of woman centered care and its application.
•    Ability to work with newborn infants in withdrawal.
•    Demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment and ability to provide nursing care that acknowledges cultural diversity in health practices and an individual’s right to make choices.
•    Demonstrated case management, teaching/training, clinical support and consultation skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
•    Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
•    Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job.
•    Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.
•    Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

• NBA internal positions are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours.
• A selection decision will be made within 7 business days of the posting closing date.
• If an interview is required, you must be available. Interviews are scheduled for the week of February 10, 2025.
• The successful applicant has 48 hours to accept or decline the position.
• If you will not be available to accept or decline the job offer during the selection process, you must assign a designate that the Hiring Leader may contact during your absence. Please ensure you have clearly identified your designate on your resume or cover letter.
• If you have any questions regarding this new process, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk by email at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca.