Our newest team of mental health and addiction ERNT RN/RPNs at VGH and UBC Hospital started orientation on August 25 and buddy shifts on September 8! The team gathered last week for a meet and greet/welcome tea to kick off their classroom orientation which will help prepare them for their new clinical leadership/mentorship position.

Once comfortable and established in their new role, ERNs will provide relief for frontline nurses while supporting and mentoring staff, new grads and assisting leadership. If you work in the mental health and addictions program, please be sure to welcome the new ERNs on your unit and provide the same level of support that you would provide to any new staff member. This is a transition and learning period for them and any help you can provide will assist the nurses in becoming comfortable in their new role/units.

The benefits

The ERNT program benefits us all by providing increased support for staff and new grads, experienced relief on units and as our more experienced staff move into ERN roles, this will open up more regular nursing positions for new graduates and casuals. This means better care for patients and more career advancing opportunities for nurses.

Accepting applications for next intake

It’s not too late to join the successful candidates who will be taking the next step to transition into a clinical leadership role. As Kathryn Embacher, the manager of the new Experienced Resource Nurse Team explains, “This is a unique opportunity to grow as a professional. ERNs gain experience and training in leadership and mentorship and work with a wide variety of populations within Mental Health and Addictions while maintaining direct‎ care skills.” Watch for the new ERNT postings coming later this year/early 2016 for our next intake in April (5+ years’ relevant experience required)!

Questions

Check the ERNT page on VCH Connect or contact the Experienced Resource Team Manager at: Kathryn.Embacher@vch.ca.