We are seeking a Registered Nurse who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join the Reclaiming Our Spirits (ROS) program at Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative. ROS is a wellness program developed to promote healing and to improve the safety and health of women living with experiences in violence. It aims to provide intensive 1:1 nursing care delivered by community nurses working in partnership with women over a 10-month period. Drawing on local support services, the program supports personal health navigation, such as problems encountered by women from ongoing violence, as well as long-term goals such as safety, health, and well-being. The program is women-led, Elder guided, and includes access to cultural connection through 1:1 Elder support, talking circles, and cultural wellness. The ROS program operates out of Kilala Lelum Health Centre, providing healthcare services through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
Job Summary:
The Registered Nurse (0.6 FTE), supported by an integrated health service team, will provide excellent culturally-safe care to members of the ROS program following these principles: safety first, women-led, health advancement as a priority, strength-based, and hope- and future-oriented.
Responsibilities:
- Offer women-focused, strength-based nursing interventions based on the following iHEALcomponents: safety, managing basics, managing symptoms, cautiously connecting, regenerating family, and renewing self.
- Apply principles of ROS in practice: safety first, women-led, health advancement as a priority, strength-based, and hope- and future-oriented.
- May be asked to support ROS circles with an Elder and a Counsellor once a month with a focus on strength-based cultural and wellness knowledge sharing.
- Meet women where they’re at in community or onsite. Nursing outreach visits may take place in members’ homes, community organizations, hospital or clinic visits, or other sites depending on need and safety considerations
- Advocacy, including promoting safety, providing clarification and access to information while empowering women and promoting their autonomy.
- Establish relationships with members and provide culturally safe, kind, and empathetic support; support wellbeing and increase access to holistic health supports.
- Chart all documentation in EMR OSCAR records.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams of Elders, Knowledge Holders, Cultural Wellness Workers, Nurses, Outreach Workers, Social Navigators, Physicians, Dieticians, Counsellors and the broader Kilala Lelum team.
- Follow leadership of Primary Care Co-Leads regarding program changes, day-to-day functioning of program, and plans to meet future goals.
- Complete case management and liaise with other healthcare teams in the DTES.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Baccalaureate degree or Diploma in Nursing.
- Current practicing registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
- Current CPR.
- Follow the Professional, Practice, and Scope of Practice Standards and competencies as outlined by BCCNM; commit to annual continuing education to meet competencies.
- Minimum of one year of experience in primary care nursing or similar experience in a location that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, preferably within the DTES.
- Ability to deal effectively with conflict, manage aggressive behaviour, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
- Ability to be culturally appropriate and respectful with members.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to respectful, collaborative problem-solving with team members.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, strength based, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
- Knowledge of the social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting Indigenous communities and familiarity with the TRC’s Calls to Action and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act beneficial.
- Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate required.
Working Conditions:
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Work will take place in the primary care clinic at 626 Powell Street, in community, or virtually as necessary.
Supervision Provided:
This position works closely with the ROS team, including other RNs, a Counsellor, an Elder, and Knowledge Holders. The position works closely with a Social Navigate, is supervised by the ROS Manager and Primary Care Nursing Lead. This position also receives support from the Allied Health Lead and the iHeal Research Leads.
Additional Information:
- Hourly salary will be based on the BCNU wage grid.
- Hours of work will be agreed upon to meet requirements of 0.6 FTE.
- Robust extended health and dental benefits available.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role, how your background and experience make you a good fit, and your availability. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until November 22, 2024.
