Community Health Nurse

POSITION:                           COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

HOUR OF WORK:              FULL-TIME, PERMANENT (35 HRS/WEEK)

REPORTS TO:                     HEALTH DIRECTOR

WAGE RANGE:                  $45.00 to $55.00 per hour

PROGRAM

The Health Department, in collaboration with the Tsawout First Nation (TFN) and broader community, is responsible for increasing the capacity and sustainability of the Department and enhancing engagement/ownership of the health of the TFN community. The Department develops and implements health programs that incorporate the traditions, values, and strengths of the Nation. The Health Department delivers a range of community health programs and health promotion services to the TFN community.

Community nursing services are provided by a licensed nursing professional to clients in the community who require acute, chronic, palliative, or rehabilitative support. Services include assessment and nursing interventions such as education, wound care, medication management, chronic disease management, care management, post-surgical care, and palliative care. Tsawout First Nation employs one Community Health Nurse (CHN), who is available five days a week. The nurse has specialized knowledge in endocrinology (diabetes specifically) and general medicine. Responsibilities of the Community Health Nurse include immunizations, diabetes & foot care, food & nutrition, and first aid services. 

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Health Director, the Community Health Nurse plans, delivers, and evaluates community-based nursing activities/initiatives in key areas such as diabetes, elder and disabled person health care, and chronic disease management. The Community Health Nurse serves as a health liaison to community health organizations and public health agencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, designs, and implements comprehensive community health programs in major areas, including but not limited to diabetes, elder and disabled person health care.
• Delivers a wide variety of health programs (both pre-packaged and custom-developed) to meet community needs; assists in arranging and participating in specialty clinics with healthcare providers.
• Facilitates, implements, and modifies client and family education/teaching based on client needs, using a holistic approach to promote self-care and health.
• Case Management: Manages client intake, follow-up appointments, and referrals to appropriate health services and specialists.
• Advanced Clinical Care:
  • Provides specialized wound care and palliative care tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Offers foot care services, particularly for clients with diabetes and circulatory conditions.
• Advanced Care Planning: Assists clients and families in planning for advanced care, ensuring that legal and ethical considerations are respected.
• Medication Management:
  • Coordinates medication programming with local pharmacies.
  • Conducts client-specific medication reconciliation to ensure accuracy and safety.
• Chronic Disease Management & Education:
  • Designs and delivers both individual and group education sessions on chronic conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, cardiac conditions, and nutrition.
  • Facilitates programming related to chronic conditions management and lifestyle changes.
• Identifies and recommends community health service delivery strategies and priorities in consultation with the Health Director.
• Ensures quality nursing care is provided and proper administrative procedures are followed; develops health and safety policies.
• Provides direct nursing care, including home visits, assessments, care planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Advocates for clients’ dignity, autonomy, and equitable access to healthcare services.
• Participates in interagency meetings and maintains client records following legal and professional guidelines.
• Evaluates community health programs continuously, modifying them for appropriateness and effectiveness.
• Participates in health-related research projects and provides regular statistical reports to the Health Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of a University, College, or other approved registered nursing program (e.g., BScN with a community health emphasis, Public Health diploma) is required.
• Additional coursework in management or administration is desirable.
• Minimum of two years of recent nursing experience in acute care or community-based settings.
• Prior experience working with Aboriginal organizations in health or social programs is desirable.
• Registered member in good standing with the British Columbia Registered Nurses Association.
• Valid First Aid, CPR certification, and Communicable Disease Control Certificate.
• Valid BC driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, and community agencies.
• Expertise in case management, including intake, referrals, and follow-up processes.
• Proficiency in wound care, palliative care, and foot care.
• Advanced knowledge of medication management and coordination with pharmacies.
• Ability to develop and deliver chronic disease education programs (individual and group) related to diabetes, kidney disease, cardiac conditions, and nutrition.
• Knowledge of biological, physical, and behavioural sciences to prioritize care and implement plans.
• Strong crisis intervention, dispute resolution, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in software applications, particularly MS Office.
• Respect for Tsawout First Nation cultural protocols and traditional practices.
• Adherence to professional codes of ethics and Tsawout First Nation Standards of Conduct.

OTHER FACTORS

Culture/Language

Respect for and working knowledge of the Tsawout culture is required.

Personal Attributes

The Community Health Nurse maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality

Our Benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

Preference may be given to qualified individuals of First Nation Ancestry.

Apply now and join our team!