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.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Collaborates and consults with physicians and other health care and social service providers to assess and
   diagnose patient/client/resident status. Develops and implements treatment plans.
2. Diagnoses and treats previously undiagnosed patients/clients/residents for undifferentiated diseases, disorders
   and conditions within the Nurse Practitioner's scope of practice; provides first line care in emergencies.
3. Monitors ongoing care, orders appropriate screening diagnostic investigations; interprets reports of investigations
   and analyzes information to monitor progress and plan treatment.
4. Communicates with patients/clients/residents and families about health findings, diagnoses and priorities,
   outcomes and prognoses; supports and counsels patients/clients/residents in their responses to diseases, disorders
   and conditions.
5. Prescribes drugs with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits, and conditions for Nurse Practitioners and
   within applicable VIHA and program guidelines, policies and procedures.
6. Participates in CDM as per patient protocols.
7. Participates in research and evaluation contributing to improved patient/client/resident care and advances in
   nursing, health policy development and population health.
8. Maintains population health focus by implementing wellness and health promotion activities for populations at risk.
9. Participates in interdisciplinary staff and nursing education through case presentations, mentoring, role modelling
   and facilitating the exchange of knowledge in the classroom, the clinical setting and the community; fosters health
   care partnerships.
10. Develops, implements and evaluates policies and procedures related to nursing, interdisciplinary care and health
    system practices.
11. Performs other related duties as required.

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:

This position will be supporting the Port Alberni Nurse Practitioner Clinic. This clinic is part of the Port Alberni Primary Care Network and has implemented a team-based care approach with the support of a Registered Nurse and Pharmacist.