Direct Care Nurse, Registered Nurse (RN) / Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), Surrey Pre-Trial Centre (SPTC) - Surrey, BC.

The Direct Care Nurse provides trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe care to individuals with concurrent psychiatric and/or substance use disorders (SUD) and a wide range of medical conditions, working independently and in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team or direct supervisor. The role delivers direct health care services to clients with a wide range and complexity of acute and chronic conditions, including communicable diseases, substance use disorders, mental health, and general health issues.

The Direct Care Nurse conducts physical, substance use, and psychiatric assessments; refers clients to physicians or other health care providers as appropriate; administers prescribed treatments and medications; and monitors, evaluates, documents, and responds to changes in client condition and behaviour. The role provides counselling, education, and support to individuals and groups using trauma-informed, motivational, and health promotion approaches, and supports discharge and transition planning in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. All duties are performed through a Trauma-Informed Care framework and Indigenous Cultural Safety lens.

The Direct Care Nurse exercises independent clinical judgment within the scope of professional practice, consulting with the interdisciplinary team or supervisor when client needs exceed individual scope or require escalation. Established protocols for consultation and escalation are followed to ensure safe, high-quality care.

What you’ll do:

• Provide direct, trauma-informed and culturally safe nursing care to clients presenting with a wide range and complexity of illnesses and conditions, including communicable diseases, acute and chronic health conditions, substance use, mental health, and general health issues, including clients receiving involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act in designated spaces within the correctional centre.
• Conduct physical, substance use, addiction, and psychiatric assessments; collect specimens; refer clients to physicians for further examination; administer prescribed treatments and medications in accordance with established protocols; and monitor, evaluate, and document client responses, making appropriate clinical adjustments within scope of practice.
• Observe, monitor, evaluate, assess, and document client progress, symptoms, and behavioural changes and perform a variety of mental health, physical health, and substance use interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities.
• Create and monitor care planning. Initiate and facilitate intake. Support and coordinate discharge and transition planning, including follow-up with clients and community partners post-release.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and well-being, addressing individual and systemic barriers to health equity.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to uphold ethical and legal standards.
• Provide counselling, education and group programming support to clients using a trauma informed, motivational and health promotion approach regarding mental health and substance use issues and concerns.
• Actively participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety training and engage with Indigenous Elders, cultural advisors, and community partners to inform care planning and delivery.

What you bring:

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse or a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
• Two years’ recent experience providing acute or direct care nursing care/services to clients who have concurrent psychiatric and/or mental health and substance use disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Successful completion of Occupational First Aid II (OFA II) (or OFA III techniques for positions at Ford Mountain Correctional Centre).
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts.
• Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services contexts found in foundational documents.

Core Competencies:

• Brings an understanding of Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure.
• Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work.
• Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honouring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness.
• Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles.
• Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice and its application to the defined population of clients.
• Working knowledge of BCCNM's Standards for Nursing Practice.
• Knowledge of the BC Mental Health Act, criminal code of Canada, other facilities, and community resources.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression.

What we bring:

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.

Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources. Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.

PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).