In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients/clients/residents including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions. The Nurse practitioner initiates treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions, policy and guidelines. The Nurse Practitioner provides professional guidance to other health professionals and practices autonomously and interdependently within the context of an interdisciplinary health care team, making referrals to physicians and others as appropriate.

This position collaborates with patients/clients/residents and other members of the interdisciplinary team to identify and asses trends and patterns that have implications for patients/clients/residents, families and communities; develops and implement population and evidence based strategies to improve health and participates in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices. The position participates in peer review and self review to evaluate the outcome of services at the patient/client/resident, community and population level.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing NP registrant; successful completion of the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and two (2) years of recent, relevant clinical nursing experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients/clients/residents and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self-care and prognosis.
• Ability to collaborate, consult with and formally refer patients/clients/residents to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate.
• Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices ability to introduce education and evidence based research.
• Ability to assess and recognize population health trends ability to plan and implement strategies for population based prevention and health promotion.
• Ability to implement and evaluate planned change.
• Ability to supervise other and evaluate the care they deliver.
• Ability to lead a team and work within a team.
• Ability to self-direct, interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, teach, coach and mentor others.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient/client/resident care.
• Ability to self-assess performance an assume responsibility and accountability for own professional development, educational or consultative assistance when appropriate.
• Physical ability carry out the duties of the position.

Additional information for applicants

Located in first Slow Food® region in BC, Cowichan District Hospital [CDH] is a 148 bed community hospital including general medical/surgical, ICU, perinatal, psychiatry and a range of surgical services. The hospital has an active and collaborative group of Family Physicians who provide the majority of in-patient care. CDH leadership is forward thinking and innovation, partnering with community team members on new initiatives including hospital-in-the-home program. A new 203-bed hospital (185 on opening day) is currently under construction with plans to open 2027 to replace current site. The NP role would provide care to alternate level of care patients and sub acute patients within the acute care environment. The NP role would act as MRP for 10-20 ALC patients. The NP role will be predominantly patient facing clinical care for acutely unwell adult patients who frequently have multiple co-morbidities. The NP will be able to consult with team members regarding patient care as needed and formally refer for specialist consultation based on patient need. The role will also include clinical teaching/preceptorship, quality improvement/research, leadership and consultation. As this is a new role the NP(s) will participate in the evaluation of the efficiency, quality and delivery of the service. NP services will be provided 7 days/week [based on number of NPs hired into role]. After hours coverage may be required and if so, will be shared with a team of inpatient providers. Other programs currently being developed may be providing after hours in house coverage in which case the NP team will be providing daytime coverage only, this will be better defined over the next few months.