Community Health Nurse (CHN)

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

▪ 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
▪ Extended Health and Dental Benefits
▪ Employer Matched Pension Plan
▪ 15 Statutory Holidays
▪ Paid Winter Holiday Break
▪ Cultural Leave
▪ Discounted Silver Star lift passes
▪ Retention Bonuses after years of service
▪ 15 Paid Sick Days
▪ Paid Personal Leave
▪ Employee Assistance Program
▪ Professional Development Opportunities

JOB SUMMARY
The Community Health Nurse assesses, plans, delivers, and evaluates the care needs of community members in community settings emphasizing the independence and health promotion of the client. The CHN role is committed to a proactive holistic approach to health and wellness delivering sustainable services incorporating Syilx values and traditions.

The primary areas of responsibility of the Community Health Nurse include health promotion, health education and community health development. The position uses independence and initiative to plan, organize, implement and evaluate community health services; and provides professional community health care to clients in accordance with established standards of nursing practice, the objectives of the Department and all Acts and Regulations applicable to nursing functions. The CHN will ensure Public Health nursing services is efficiently coordinated and accessible. The Community Health Nurse is an active team member in the delivery of quality programs and services to the community members.

SUPPORTS NEEDED

• Identifies needs and provides health services in homes, clinics, schools and offices, to individuals or groups
• Assesses specific care needs and educates individuals or groups and community
• Provides health education and promotion services to individuals and target groups to increase knowledge regarding health and to promote behavior change to a healthy lifestyle
• Provides health education to the public regarding protection against communicable diseases by administrating controls and immunization programming
• Ensures all equipment related to client care is hygienic through proper sanitation and in safe working order
• Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates community health services in order that the individual and community health will be improved, wellness promoted, and disease and illness prevented where possible
• Analyzes community health indicators, e.g. lab reports, communicable disease report
• Provides treatment, support and follow up for compliance
• Teaches treatment procedures and care techniques to client and family
• Develops an action plan for individuals, family, school, and community to deal with health emergencies and pandemic responses
• Selects services and activities for positive health changes
• Advocates and refers community members to appropriate agencies, medical providers, and programs or services
• Manages and coordinates client visits with physicians, hospitals, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dentists, optometrist and audiology
• Liaises with physicians, hospitals, teachers, socials workers and other community services agencies
• Maintains accurate recording and reporting systems
• Identifies health issues and needs through analysis of area, population, health and other relevant data
• Provides services and establishing a means to measure effective results
• Be responsible for statistics of clients issues, such as hospitalization
• Coordinates Public Health Nursing services with community and services agencies Participates in case conferences
• Arranges and participates in joint home visits to families with other professionals
• Participates in the planning and development of community health resources and health services
• Works cooperatively with the Environmental Health Officer
• All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
• Participate in community events as requested

ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES

• Develop community health work plans
• Develop health promotional materials and/or displays as a team member
• Community Health reporting, as required, including Panarama
• Conducts home/office visits
• Attends professional development training to provide current care, techniques and practices while delivering Community Health Care
• Attend community meetings and workshops that relate to the CHN position
• Promote traditional and cultural health practices
• Prepares course material and presenting individual or group sessions, e.g. expectant parents, parenting, weight control, health for Elders
• Ensures that care is provided according to all relevant policies, procedures and regulations
• Coordinates case management when necessary
• Provide information to other health care professionals, as required
• Order supplies for Community Health program keeping accurate inventory and records
• Develop and maintain a current, accurate, confidential client reporting and filing system
• Maintain the integrity of the vaccinations
• Biohazard management
• Attend meetings
• Make recommendations for changes and improvements to the program, as required
• Reports any concerns to the Director of Health and Social Development
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or carry a willingness to learn. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (RN) from a recognized university
• Current, active registration with BC College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP)
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate with AED
• Immunization Certification and knowledge/training and/or experience in Managing Communicable Disease within a community setting

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience working in a community setting
• Experience working with First Nations communities
• Strong team/client leadership, communication, problem solving and teamwork skills
• Experience with program planning, delivery and facilitation an asset Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial and aboriginal organizations mandated to provide health services
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplined team, including professional commitment, communication and client care skills
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively on an individual or group basis
• Effectively organizes, plans and implements care
• Ability to perform needs and risk assessments
• Desire to increase capacity through professional development
• Knowledge in the proper handling and disposal of sharps and biohazard materials
• Exceptional interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of current trends in health promotion/disease prevention practices and programs
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy
• Experience working with confidential information

DIRECT REPORTS
Licensed Practical Nurses

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4

If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references