Registered Nurse - Land Based Healing Program

Are you passionate about supporting the Indigenous Street Community through land-based and cultural activities? The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is seeking a Registered Nurse for the Land-Based Healing Program.
The Registered Nurse ensures low-barrier access to land-based healing camps and day activities for Family Members by developing, coordinating, and overseeing personalized Care Plans. This includes working closely with Family Members who are unhoused, living in Culturally Supportive Housing, or independent housing as part of the CAIS (Culturally Aligned Integrated Support Program).
This role involves coordination with the Cool Aid Mobile Clinic, Family Members’ physicians, and local pharmacies to ensure all necessary medication and Care Plan arrangements are in place. The RN will also support the development of ACEH’s Decolonized Harm Reduction Framework, ensuring integration of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
The RN works closely with the Land-Based Healing team, Executive Director, House Managers, primary care providers, and local organizations.

JOB DETAILS:

Location: All ACEH sites as required

Wage: $50.00 per hour

Start Date: As soon as possible

Position Type: Part-time – 24 hours/week for 48 weeks per year, with increased hours (up to 72 hours/week) during 4 designated weeks to support Land-Based Healing Camps.

Application Submission: You are required to submit a resume and cover letter that highlights Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous community/organization involvements, education, certification, demonstrated contract experience, and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities will support and contribute to the ACEH and our community through a cultural lens. 

Applications missing this will be automatically screened out of the selection process. 

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry. The ACEHS values strength in diversity. As an inclusive employer that celebrates the gifts of all its employees, we encourage members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to apply. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the Land-Based Healing team to provide Land-Based Healing camps and events for the Indigenous Street Family and Family Members. 
• Attend Land-Based Healing camps and outings to manage acute symptoms within scope. This may include the use of First Aid, Naloxone Administration, AED, Oxygen etc. 
• In preparation for Land-Based Healing, complete assessments and develop Care Plans with Family Members to manage their health, including substance use health, while on the land. A harm reduction component is required for Family Members supported through the ACEH’s Indigenous Alcohol Harm Reduction Program and/or Cannabis Substitution Program.  
• Work with Family Members to coordinate with Doctors, Pharmacies, and other services to ensure medication and generic substitutions are arranged. 
• Support with risk management planning for land-based healing camps; identifying the closest public health facilities and emergency services, care plans for travel, etc. 
• Oversee Care Plans during Land-Based Healing; including medication administration, administration of the Indigenous Alcohol Harm Reduction Program, monitoring for deterioration or improvement, performing assessments, support with disease self-management, and educating Family Members.  
• Review and orient camp staff on Family Member Care Plans, as needed. 
• Document assessments, interventions, and care plans using electronic medical records.  
• Complete and manage medical inventory and appropriate filing before and after Land-Based Healing Camps. 
• Develop and facilitate post-camp Care Plans and healing circles to support reintegration. 
• Work with Family Members to reach personal goals through a Nursing lens. 
  

Other: 

• Maintain professional growth and development in relation to organizational needs and specialty focus. 
• Review literature to remain current in specialization. 
• Other Nursing-related duties as required and determined by the supervisor.
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from a recognized nursing education program. 
• Practicing RN registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). 
• Preferred minimum of two years of acute and community experience. 
• Experience practicing in an outreach, community, and/or primary care nursing capacity. 
• Preference given to applicants with experience working with substance use disorders and accompanying challenges of homelessness. 
• Experience developing and implementing harm reduction planning within a team setting, including risk assessments and wellness planning, considered an asset. 
• Current and up to date First Aid and CPR certification.
  

REQUIRED INFORMATION: 

• Willing and able to complete a Criminal Record Check through the Ministry of Justice for working with vulnerable adults 
• Valid BC Driver's License 
• Dependable vehicle 
• Two work-related references  
  

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with partners and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, adapting to cultural distinctions to create a sense of safety for all.
• Knowledge of providing culturally and trauma-informed care; Understanding the intergenerational trauma that occurs because of colonization, Residential Schools, Sixties Scoop, and other oppressive systems, as well as the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
• Ability to learn from other leaders and Elders; working together to provide excellent wrap-around support services within a cultural lens and approach. 
• Ability to model the vision and encourage others to champion it. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Positive, encouraging, flexible, and reliable.  
• Progressive understanding of mental health challenges, chronic alcoholism, substance use, and addictions, and the resulting impacts on overall health, well-being, and quality of life. 
• Ability to effectively respond and adjust to unexpected events, assess risky situations, problem-solve, provide crisis intervention, and manage conflict in a culturally supportive manner. 
• Ability to work independently and effectively respond to and manage competing demands while adhering to deadlines. 
• Effective written, electronic, and verbal communication skills to facilitate interprofessional collaborative practice, healthy and culturally safe environments, and a respectful workplace for community members, staff, guests, and volunteers.