Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Aboriginal, Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Posted per NBA Article 17.02

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Aboriginal provides clinical mental health nursing services to Aboriginal clients in community programs, residing either on or off reserves; works closely with other members of the clinical team in assessing clients' mental status, formulating plans of care, implementing planned care and evaluating outcomes. Works in partnership with clients, caregivers, facility managers, and staff of relevant community and regulatory agencies, aboriginal and non-aboriginal service partners; participates in developing mental health services; and provides community mental health education that is culturally sensitive and relevant. May be responsible for providing liaison services including ensuring linkages between clients, hospitals, community mental health and addictions treatment services and health and social service providers, and the provision of consultation, advocacy, limited assessment, crisis counseling and short term follow up as required to provide more accessible and effective care.

1. In consultation and in collaboration with local community aboriginal health/mental services/agencies, works to enhance and/or maintain existing, and develops new aboriginal mental health services. Develops and delivers educational events to clients and/or families as needed that are culturally sensitive and relevant.


2. Functions as a primary nursing therapist and case manager, providing diagnostic client assessment and short and long term individual, group, and family therapy, using a variety of interviewing, counseling and assessment methods, in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Manages cases and formulates treatment plans and goals in conjunction with appropriate facility staff, including joint care plans with health, mental health services/agencies and aboriginal service partners. Provides crisis intervention with a focus on outreach throughout the corridor.


3. May be required to: provide a linkage between acute care hospitals, community mental health and addictions services, Aboriginal community agencies and organizations on and off reserve, primary care services providers and other community services providers by performing duties such as participating in discharge planning rounds and case conferences to review cases and meeting with Mental Health and Substance Use service providers to provide consultation regarding clients currently receiving services as well as new referrals.


4. May be required to: facilitate referrals by working closely with service providers and with the active participation of individual clients and/or their families, ensuring that cases will be handled in a culturally sensitive manner. Referral services may include mental health programs and services, shelters, residential/housing services, legal services, the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Aboriginal agencies and organizations, medical clinics, public health services, alcohol and drug treatment services and victim assistance. May require client advocacy to facilitate referral. Provides consultation and referral assistance to service providers to identify and access appropriate services in the community.


5. Facilitates clients' utilization of appropriate community services and rehabilitative programs by performing duties such as researching available services, liaising with agencies, providing related advice and consultation to clients and providing referrals to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services. Utilizes available community resources to develop supportive and rehabilitative programs for adults and their families. Makes arrangements for clients to be admitted to hospital when required, including on an involuntary basis.


6. Advises patients/clients/families/community members about illness prevention, health maintenance, health promotion strategies, available resources and other related topics through individual counseling, teaching, facilitating groups and conducting formal presentations.


7. Organizes and leads therapy groups, outings and skill development groups, administers and monitors medication prescribed, including long acting injectables; monitors the effects of treatment in an on-going relationship with the client, their family and the team, evaluates the effectiveness of own nursing interventions.


8. Provides client care linkages between community mental health services and acute care facilities, including liaising with tertiary and acute care hospitals, and the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital to ensure appropriate referral of clients and to facilitate assessment and care planning for client discharge from hospital. Liaises with community outpatient clinics. Exchanges relevant client information and receives information about the status and background of clients who will be discharge or referred, in order to make necessary preparations for a continuum of care between acute and community mental health services.


9. Provides support and direction to clients requiring enhanced case management by monitoring their mental health status, assessing their social adjustment and ability to perform routine life activities including managing money and taking medication regularly. Provides follow up care and services as required, including providing referrals to other healthcare professionals such as the Occupational Therapist, Psychiatrist, Physicians, or Nurse Practitioner. Works collaboratively with the Nurse Practitioner.


10. Documents assessments, nursing diagnosis, observations, interventions, patient/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.


11. Aids client access to services such as medical appointments, hospitals, and social programs by methods such as providing healthcare information, contacting relevant programs/services, and assisting clients with processing forms, transportation issues, and daily living tasks.


12. Provides appropriate culturally sensitive educational materials to local Mental Health Centre staff and agencies that work with aboriginal clients with a mental illness.


13. Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.


14. Participates as a member of local committees and advisory boards to provide and receive information as a representative of the Community Mental Health team, as assigned.


15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Graduation from approved School of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing.

Two (2) years' recent related experience providing treatment services to individuals with mental health and/or concurrent disorders, including one year of experience working with aboriginal clients, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. May require completion of substance use certificate program. Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultural practices and beliefs with reference to mental health status.


• Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use client assessment and provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention.


• Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment.


• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).


• Counselling and group facilitation skills.


• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to mental health and substance use practices.


• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, families/care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.


• Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for clients/families/care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.


• Ability to educate clients and families/care givers about topics essential to their health care and well-being.


• Ability to organize and prioritize work.


• Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.


• Ability to use factual information and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.


• Ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal clients, both verbally and in writing, including empathic and respectful communication appropriate to the situation.


• Ability to develop consultative relationships with health professionals, counsellors, traditional healers and Elders.


• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.