Nurse Specializing in Wound Ostomy Continence (NSWOC)

minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs)

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is proud to be part of the provincial implementation of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs), an initiative aimed at enhancing nursing practice and strengthening quality of care across the health system. mNPRs set the minimum number of nurses providing care to patients on a given unit. In British Columbia, mNPRs are developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) and health organizations. Guided by our values: We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning and We Strive for Better Results, we remain committed to fostering quality practice and learning environments where nurses can grow and thrive.

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $49.20/Hr. - CAD $63.47/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as a Nurse Specializing in Wound Ostomy Continence with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at qathet General Hospital in Powell River, BC! Apply now to join the team.

 

The Nurse Specializing in Wound Ostomy Continence (NSWOC) provides leadership and demonstrates/applies advanced clinical preparation and expert nursing skills in the provision of care to patients/clients/residents who have skin, wound, ostomy, and/or continence challenges. Provides consultation and education to, and works in collaboration with, physicians/nurse practitioners, nursing and other interdisciplinary team members to provide evidence-base care for patients/clients/residents with skin, wound, ostomy and continence concerns. Practices in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards (professional & practice) and code of ethics for registered nurses. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values of the organization as well as with the concept of the client and family centered care model.

 

ABOUT POWELL RIVER, BC

 

On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. Originally founded as a resource extraction centre - once home to the world's largest pulp and paper mill - Powell River now offers adventurers countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving. This area is host to world-class art galleries, tremendous dining opportunities, and memorable events and festivals.

 

On the doorstep of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island, the Powell River region offers an array of experiences for travelers of all kinds, no matter the season. Experience the legendary Sunshine Coast Trail and Powell Forest Canoe Route, rock-climb the Eldred Valley, snowshoe in the Knuckleheads; this is the adventure destination you've long been waiting for.

 

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Completion of a recognized Nurse Specializing in Wound Ostomy Continence Education Program or the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Education Program.
• Valid BC Driver's License as local travel may be required; travel may require the use of own personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a patient/family centered model of care.
• Knowledge of the BCCNM standards for nursing practice.
• Knowledge of evidence based nursing practice related to a patient population.
• Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient care.
• Knowledge of research process and methodology.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work direction.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate, coach and facilitate staff and patients as individuals and in groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with, and deal effectively with, co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, patients and their families, and staff of outside agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of medical equipment and supplies appropriate to designated clinical area.
• Demonstrated skill in techniques appropriate to the treatment of designated patient population.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized patient care information system.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

Closing Statement

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

 

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.