Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Poison Information Nurse provides information services to the public and healthcare professionals via a 24-hour poison information line. The Poison Information Nurse is responsible for responding appropriately to poison calls from throughout the province. The nurse acts as a resource to other healthcare professionals, including nurses, by providing treatment recommendations and assists physicians in the decision making process regarding treatment strategies including antidote use. The nurse works with callers from the public and emergency response, calling ahead to emergency rooms to advise of incoming patients and treatment recommendations. The nurse works with other facilities such as group homes, correctional facilities and outpost nursing stations to provide immediate information and guidance on medication errors, toxicology and other poison-related questions and calls.

 

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.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Responds to poison calls from the general public and healthcare professionals from throughout the province based on clinical knowledge, professional judgment and poison centre protocols. Provides first aid advice to poisoned patients and treatment information; establishes the need for patient assessment at a health care facility; assesses, evaluates and triages poison exposures, drug overdoses and medication errors as required.
2.    Acts 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.
3.    Assists physicians in the decision making process such as administration of antidotes including calculations and dosing frequency and advises on decisions regarding patient transfers.
4.    Notifies hospital triage nurses regarding incoming poison patients, providing history of exposure, treatment recommendations and expected symptoms.
5.    Documents calls as per poison centre protocols for service evaluation, follow up and quality management.
6.    Performs 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.
7.    Provides 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. Provides poison information to workers and industrial first aid workers dealing with a poison or chemical exposure.
8.    Provides advice to group home personnel regarding medication errors.
9.    Performs in depth literature searches and evaluation for complicated questions on the poison line.
10.    Consults with the DPIC on-call staff and/or DPIC medical staff on poison calls as required and/or escalates issues to designated supervisor.
11.    Contributes to the publication content of Poison Management Manual, DPIC newsletters, and DPIC web site.
12.    Contributes poison information publications to professional journals and newsletters.
13.    Assists in the education component of DPIC by participating in teaching, instructing, supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate pharmacy, medical, nursing students and residents in their practicum placements with DPIC.
14.    Participates in preparation and delivery of poison prevention education to the public, public health nurses, multicultural groups, and the media.
15.    Participates in DPIC sponsored research and data collection as required.
16.    As a member of the DPIC Team, contributes to the development of DPIC program components and assists in the implementation of new or revised service objectives.
17.    As a member of the DPIC team, assists in updating and maintaining current poison protocols, policies, procedures and knowledge translation for website and program requirements
18.    Participates on poison information and injury prevention-related committees at the provincial, national and international level as required.
19.    Assists in the instruction and orientation of new staff members as required.
20.    Participates in peer review in poison information. Provides feedback and follow-up on as-needed basis.
21.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nurses & 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.

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

 

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

• NBA internal positions are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours.
• A selection decision will be made within 7 business days of the posting closing date.
• If an interview is required, you must be available. Interviews are scheduled for the week of March 16, 2026.
• The successful applicant has 48 hours to accept or decline the position.
• If you will not be available to accept or decline the job offer during the selection process, you must assign a designate that the Hiring Leader may contact during your absence. Please ensure you have clearly identified your designate on your resume or cover letter.
• If you have any questions regarding this new process, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk by email at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca.