Opioid Agonist Treatment Nurse

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Nanaimo, BC

This Temporary, Full-Time (Until June 18, 2027 or until return of incumbent) opportunity is with Nanaimo Regional Correctional Centre located in Nanaimo, BC.

Are you dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to individuals struggling with opioid use disorders and complex health needs? As an Opioid Agonist Treatment Nurse, you will play a vital role in supporting clients facing not only opioid dependency but often concurrent mental health challenges and other substance use disorders. You’ll deliver comprehensive nursing care—conducting thorough physical, psychiatric, and substance use assessments, administering prescribed treatments, and closely monitoring client progress. Working within a collaborative interdisciplinary team and guided by a Trauma Informed Care Framework and Indigenous Cultural Safety lens, you will empower clients through education, support, and health promotion, helping them navigate their recovery journey with dignity and respect.

What Is Correctional Health Services

Correctional Health Services is a province-wide, specialized program providing care for clients who are incarcerated in one of BC’s 10 provincial correctional facilities. We believe everyone deserves a chance to access and receive the same quality of care as they would in the community.

Discover what it means to be apart of the Correctional Health Services team.

Watch this video to learn about working with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services!

A first in Canada: minimum Nurse‑to‑Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are being introduced in B.C.! The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), alongside B.C.'s other regional health authorities, is implementing mNPRs as a transformative staffing initiative that aims to improve the working environment of nurses in order to provide better quality care to our patients. Learn more at: jobs.phsa.ca/mnpr

What You’ll Do

Provide direct trauma-informed opioid agonist treatment (OAT) health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, substance dependency, mental health and general health issues. Perform physical, substance use and psychiatric assessments, collect specimens, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administer prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols and make appropriate adjustments. Triage Health Service Requests from clients and makes appropriate treatment plan or referrals. Complete Initial Health Assessments, nursing interventions and treatments on all clients on admission, referrals to clinicians as required for monitoring and follow up assessments and treatments Receive and triage all new OAT initiation requests and referrals from client’s nurses and physicians in the Correctional Centre. Triage and process all OAT requests within the OAT initiation criteria as established by the Medical Director of PHSA Corrections Health. Regularly communicate with other members of the health care interdisciplinary team within the Correctional Centre (e.g., physicians, nurses, mental health and substance use professionals and Correctional and Parole/Probation Officers) regarding the anticipated release of clients and their potential needs for OAT transition community prescriptions, counselling and community OAT physicians. Clinical/frequent assessment and monitoring of OAT clients as required and performing urine drug screens or other diagnostic tests as needed or ordered by a physician. Observe monitors, evaluate and document client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities. Initiates and facilitates discharge planning in collaboration with the interprofessional treatment team; identify referrals to other health professionals.

Qualifications

What you bring

Current practicing registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse or Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College or Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two (2) years’ recent experience providing trauma-informed acute or community health nursing care/services to clients who have a combination of physical, psychiatric and/or concurrent substance abuse/misuse disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Successful completion of Occupational First Aid II (OFA II) (or OFA III techniques for positions at Ford Mountain Correctional Centre) Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic. Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

Working knowledge of community health nursing theory including mental health and substance use, communicable diseases and practice within a client/family-centered approach. Working knowledge of BCCNM's Standards for Nursing Practice. Knowledge of the BC Mental Health Act, other facilities and community resources. Working knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques. Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events Demonstrated case management, teaching/training, clinical support and consultation skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interprofessional team Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques. Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job. Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment. Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software. Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers. Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What We Bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees. Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources. Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement. PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position). Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until June 18, 2027 or until return of incumbent)

Wage Step: $41.42 - $59.52/Hour

Location: 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; 0800-1600

Requisition # 200550E

Please indicate in your cover letter why you are interested in joining our team at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) If you are a new grad (graduated in the last 18 months and have NOT completed the new grad program at another health authority), we ask all new grads apply to one posting. You can find the posting and more information about our new grad program through this link:http://www.phsa.ca/careers/nursing-careers/new-graduate-nursing-careers

What We Do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention Current Employees Of PHSA

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on June 26, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.