Indigenous Health Program

 

Description:

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) is seeking a compassionate and culturally competent Indigenous Health Wellness Nurse to join its Indigenous Health Program at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital & Health Centre in Vancouver.

This vital role focuses on providing holistic, culturally safe, and patient-centered care to Indigenous patients and families. The nurse will work closely with hospital teams, Indigenous communities, and external health organizations to ensure seamless care coordination, advocacy, and culturally respectful support for Indigenous patients across care settings.

Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry, in accordance with Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code.

Key Responsibilities:

Visit Indigenous patients at BC Women’s and BC Children’s hospitals to validate demographic data, health information, and assess complex care needs.

Coordinate and facilitate care planning, discharge processes, and referrals to community health centers, services, and agencies.

Act as a patient advocate, ensuring care aligns with the family’s cultural values and expectations.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing insight into Indigenous health perspectives and facilitating communication with community health professionals.

Maintain ongoing collaboration with community health nurses, physicians, lactation consultants, and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) staff to ensure continuity of care.

Provide culturally sensitive consultation and education to hospital staff, promoting awareness of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and health beliefs.

Serve as a liaison between hospital services and Indigenous communities, helping patients access health programs such as home care, breastfeeding clinics, or youth health services.

Communicate with social workers and child welfare agencies (such as the Ministry of Child and Family Development) when necessary for follow-up care.

Participate in program development, quality improvement initiatives, and educational projects to enhance Indigenous health outcomes.

Engage in personal and team-based learning to address systemic racism and promote reconciliation in healthcare delivery.

Qualifications:

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).

Graduate of an approved School of Nursing.

Minimum of two (2) years’ recent experience in women’s and/or child-centered nursing practice, or equivalent education and experience.

Current CPR and NRP certification (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Deep understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, and the impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples.

Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and reconciliation, with awareness of key legislative frameworks such as:

Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015)

In Plain Sight Report (2020)

BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019)

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019)

Strong knowledge of public health nursing principles, Indigenous health policy, and the social determinants of health.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage compassionately with Indigenous families.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and coordinate complex care plans.

Capable of providing culturally sensitive nursing care to Indigenous populations.

Proficient in documentation and electronic health systems, with solid computer skills.

Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning about cultural safety, equity, and trauma-informed care.

Work Schedule and Location:

Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9

Requisition Number: 181703E

Benefits and Perks:

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package, including medical, dental, and psychological health programs.

Municipal Pension Plan enrollment.

13 annual statutory holidays plus generous vacation entitlement and accrual.

Access to professional development and leadership programs, including over 2,000 in-house courses.

Opportunities to participate in San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and other cultural education initiatives.

Access to WorkPerks, a premium employee discount program offering savings on travel, electronics, dining, and more.

Remote and flexible work options may be available (depending on role and eligibility).

Supportive environment with a focus on holistic well-being, professional growth, and cultural inclusion.

Why Join PHSA:

By joining the Provincial Health Services Authority, you become part of a province-wide network dedicated to improving health outcomes for British Columbians. This position offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in Indigenous health through advocacy, cultural understanding, and excellence in nursing practice.