Poison Information Nurse

BC Centre for Disease Control

Vancouver, BC

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

The Poison Information Nurse provides information services to the public and healthcare professionals via a 24-hour poison information line.

What you’ll do

• Respond to poison calls from the general public and healthcare professionals from throughout the province based on clinical knowledge, professional judgment and poison centre protocols.
• Provide first aid advice to poisoned patients and treatment information; establish the need for patient assessment at a health care facility; assess, evaluate and triage poison exposures, drug overdoses and medication errors as required.
• Act as a resource to other healthcare professionals by providing treatment information and recommendations to physicians and nurses on the management of poisoned and overdosed patients.
• Assist physicians in the decision making process such as administration of antidotes including calculations and dosing frequency and advises on decisions regarding patient transfers.
• Notify hospital triage nurses regarding incoming poison patients, providing history of exposure, treatment recommendations and expected symptoms.
• Document calls as per poison centre protocols for service evaluation, follow up and quality management.
• Perform follow up calls to both lay public at home and to healthcare facilities to determine the effectiveness of treatment and to provide additional recommendations as needed.
• Provide poison information and clinical advice to other health professionals, including EHS, public and environmental health officers, and nurses working in jails or correction facilities and remote nursing stations.
• Provide poison information to workers and industrial first aid workers dealing with a poison or chemical exposure.

What you bring

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) years recent, related experience with triage and clinical assessment in poisoning events or poison control. Will consider experience in critical care environments such as Emergency Department, intensive care or high dependency units.

You also have the ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of in-service teaching or continuing education principles.
• Demonstrate computer skills with relevant software such as MS Office and centre applications.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and demonstrated listening skills.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work under stressful conditions in a calm and effective manner.
• Work a variety of shifts, including night shifts and weekends, as required.
• Demonstrate strong judgment, decision-making and analytical skills.

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 and development.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• 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.
• Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time 
Wage: $43.09 to $52.82 per hour
Location: 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Z 4R4
Hours of Work: Rotating schedule: days, evenings, nights -0700-1500, 0830-1630, 1515-2315- 2300-0700
Requisition # 130853E

What we do

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is dedicated to preventing and controlling communicable diseases and promoting environmental health for the province of BC. BCCDC is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (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.

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

PHSA and BCCDC 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.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca    

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of August 14, 2022. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.