Registered Nurse for Relational Care Program (0.5 FTE)

We are seeking a Registered Nurse who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join the Relational Care Program at Kilala Lelum Health Centre. This program aims to provide access to food security, nursing and allied healthcare services, and Elder-led cultural care for new and existing members of the Kilala Lelum Health Centre. There are approximately 300 members on the food security program and 50 members enrolled in medication management/case management services in Relational Care. Our aim is to provide healthcare services through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (0.5 FTE), supported by an integrated health service team, will provide excellent culturally-safe nursing care to members accessing the Relational Care space drop-in program for food, medicine, and cultural connections. The Relational Care space is open 365 days a year from 08:30-1:30 for daily breakfast and lunch. The nurse will provide support for medication management, perform general/focused assessments, vitals, wound care, and community referrals. Outreach is an integral component to providing access to medications, food, and cultural medicine to folks who face barriers that prevent them from accessing healthcare.

Responsibilities:

Establish relationships with members and provide culturally safe, kind, and empathetic support; support wellbeing and increase access to holistic health supports such as Elders, Social Workers, Counsellors, Physicians, and Dieticians.
Complete outreach to members in the DTES for delivery of medication/food, bloodwork, and wound care; occasional outreach for appointment accompaniment.
Chart all documentation in EMR OSCAR records; complete paper charting in MAR for medication dispensing.
Provide medication management to folks living in the DTES experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic illnesses such as HIV, Hepatitis C, COPD.
Conduct phlebotomy, wound care, general and focused assessments, vitals, referrals, case management, pregnancy testing, Narcan training, INSTI HIV testing, and harm reduction education.
Follow leadership of Nursing 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 DTES.
Supervise and support nursing practicum students from UBC Nursing.
Assist in training new nursing staff.
Distribute harm reduction and other supplies; support with referrals and connections to other community services and supports.

Qualifications & Skills:

Completion of Grade 12.
Baccalaureate degree or Diploma in Nursing or Practical 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.
Experience in primary care, phlebotomy, and working knowledge of immunization protocols preferred.
Ability to be culturally safe and appropriate 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, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate required.

Working Conditions:

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position (walking up to 10km/day).
Nurse will be at 606 Powell Street in the Relational Care space, outreaching in the afternoon as needed.
- Outreach duties will occur within the DTES in hotels, SROs, and private apartments following the safety guidelines of the RC Leads and VCH.
- Occasional accompaniments to appointments at various hospitals and clinics within Vancouver.

Supervision Provided:

This position is supervised by the Relational Care Program Leads, a team of nursing professionals, and will receive support from the Primary Care Co-Leads, Administrative Co-Leads, and Executive Director.

Additional Information:

Hourly salary based on BCNU wage grid.
Schedule is Thursday/Friday one week and Thursday/Friday/Saturday the next.
Shifts are 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
This role includes robust extended health and dental benefits package, including Critical Illness Insurance :).

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.