The Psychiatric Assessment Nurse (PAN) is a resource to assist the emergency physician and department in the assessment of individuals presenting with mental health and /or substance use, providing culturally safe and trauma informed care. The PAN provides urgent, intensive assessments, crisis intervention, stabilization and engages in the plan of care for patients. They also coordinate the day to day operations of the unit and supervise staff. They act as a clinical resource to nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members in the provision of direct care to patients.

The ABSU at St. Paul's Emergency Department

The Acute Behavioural Stabilization Unit (ABSU) is part of St. Paul's Emergency Department; it is open 24 hours a day and consists of short-stay admissions (48-72 hours).

The unit is staffed with an interdisciplinary team of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, psychiatrists, registered psychiatric nurses, psychiatric assessment nurses and social workers, and receives input from addictions consultants.

St. Paul's Hospital is an acute care, teaching and research hospital located in downtown Vancouver. It is home to many world-class medical and surgical programs, including heart and lung services, HIV/AIDS, mental health, emergency, critical care, kidney care, elder care and numerous surgical specialties.

Education:

• Registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant, qualifications required of staff nurse in clinical area, plus three years of recent related experience in clinical specialty, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to supervise.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.
• Ability to deal with and promote change.
• Ability to role model conflict resolution strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to apply decision making and analytical skills.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to teach, coach, and provide clinical supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with other members of a interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to match skills of staff with clinical needs.
  
  

• Signing bonus: A new financial incentive of up to $15,000 is now available to eligible employees for a 24-month return of service commitment to priority regular (permanent) vacancies.
• A competitive salary: The salary range for this position is $49.20 - $63.47 per hour, depending on experience.
• Growth opportunities: We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• State-of-the-art facilities:  The new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families, and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul’s Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.
• Meaningful impact: Your dedication and expertise will directly impact the lives of individuals struggling with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• A comprehensive health benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance as well as pension.

Your Day to Day:

• Coordinates the day to day patient/resident care activities of the nursing unit by performing duties such as supervising staff, the active and ongoing monitoring and follow-up on the work of staff, coordinating work assignments, providing critical input on employee performance, orientating new employees, calling in relief staff as necessary, and authorizing overtime shifts. Problem-solves and troubleshoots staffing issues.
• Monitors the patient/resident acuity and flow of patients/residents on the nursing unit, to ensure that staffing levels match patient/resident and unit needs. Makes adjustments to the assignments as changes in acuity occur.
• Acts as a clinical resource to nursing staff, students, and other members of the interdisciplinary team, by demonstrating procedures, answering questions related to clinical practice issues, problem solving, and troubleshooting concerns. Advises Operations Leader and /or resource person of issues/concerns.
• Participates in rounds/clinics and collaborates with nursing staff by assisting in the assessment of patient/resident problems and needs, planning and prioritizing of nursing intervention, and implementing and evaluating interventions.
• Collaborates with nursing staff to determine needs for consultation with Physicians, Nurse Consultants, and other disciplines or departments. Arranges for consultation when required.
• Acts as the patient/resident and family advocate by communicating patient/resident and family concerns to other members of the patient/resident care team. Intervenes if required.
• Performs direct nursing care by assuming responsibility for a patient/resident assignment.
• Provides input into the development, evaluation, and delivery of orientation, in conjunction with other members of the health care team. Makes recommendations regarding changes or new initiatives. Participates in the orientation of new employees.
• Collaborates with the Operations Leader the nursing staff, and other team members, in identifying specific learning needs of nurses and implementing educational strategies and programs. Presents in-service educational sessions for staff as required.
• Reviews policies, procedures, and reference materials, and provides feedback and input to the Operations Leader or designate for changes and modifications. Updates as approved.
• Assists the Operations Leader and other resource nurses in promoting further education, by mentoring staff regarding educational opportunities, and assisting with interpersonal conflict resolution and the development of clinical nursing skills.
• Provides input to the Operations Leader regarding Performance Planning and Coaching of unit staff. Acts as clinical resource to unit staff in the Performance Planning and Coaching process.
• Assists the Nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team in the identification of researchable clinical patient/resident care management problems. Participates in research initiatives and projects related to patient/resident care and/or nursing practices as requested, disseminates findings, and assists in applying and implementing research findings into practice.
• Provides input and recommendations to the Operations Leader regarding equipment, supplies, and staffing requirements. Advises the Operations Leader of concerns and problems and provides suggestions to resolve problems.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary care team members regarding quality improvement initiatives, by making recommendations for QI projects, implementing processes and procedures upon authorization, and evaluating results. Makes adjustments as required, upon authorization of Operations Leader.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Who We Are:

Providence Health Care is one of the largest faith-based health care organizations in Canada. For the people at Providence, living our Mission, Vision and Values means providing British Columbians with compassionate, socially just, exceptional and innovative care every day.

From our humble roots 129 years ago, Providence has grown into globally renowned research, teaching, and care organization. As individuals within a mission-driven organization, we choose to be part of Providence Health Care because we value the organization’s long commitment to social justice and compassionate care, and its commitment to the process of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

We acknowledge that Providence Health Care and the new St. Paul’s Hospital site is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.