Director of Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratios - Burnaby, British Columbia

The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of resea ...

Job description

The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Position Title:
Director, Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratios (mNPR)

Excluded Full-Time

Reporting to:
Executive Director, Member Services

Salary Range:
$140,000 to $190,000 (inclusive of OT premium)

Summary
As part of the senior management team, the Director of Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratios (mNPR) provides strategic leadership and advice on the development and implementation of ratio policy. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, Member Services, the Executive Director, Operations, Council, and staff to ensure the vision, values, and strategic directions of BCNU are operationalized, specific to those areas of responsibility assigned to this role. Those responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversight of mNPR development, implementation and compliance
• Development of policy and position statements
• Development of data systems in collaboration with IT
• Advocating for members and populations using a human rights and equity lens
• Applying articles of the Provincial Collective Agreement
• Working with external partners to further the work of the BCNU Ratios team (e.g., Ministries, Health Authorities, etc.)

Specific Accountabilities
The role of the Director is multifaceted, combining significant leadership and professional responsibilities:

• Strategy:
• Operationalizes the strategic plan set by Council, including financial and human resource planning.
• Execution:
• Creates and leads a shared vision for nursing ratios, building the operational plan from the ground up to integrate ratios across BCNU and throughout the province and in alignment with BCNU's strategic direction.
• Provides direction to the Ratios team and maintains oversight of Ratio implementation across the province.
• Provides advice and overall direction regarding mNPR development, implementation, compliance, and evaluation.
• Plans, develops, and constantly improves processes to enhance member engagement and the profile of the organization with regards to nursing practice and mNPR.
• Contributes to and implements member education related to the mNPR policy instrument.
• May provide/write articles for BCNU publications.
• Networks and influence:
• Communicating with elected officials, including BCNU Council.
• Works collaboratively across BCNU departments, seeks opportunities to strengthen workflows, member service and staff engagement.
• Externally, the Director must build and maintain partnerships.
• Networking with other like organizations to determine best practices.
• Subject matter expertise:
• Represents BCNU on nursing practice and mNPR policy matters in a variety of forums.
• Provides expert advice to the CEO and Council to help inform collective bargaining discussions and mNPR policy development.
• Provides recommendations regarding opportunities and challenges of nursing recruitment and retention.
• Directs the work of consultants and contractors working on strategic priorities related to mNPR and special projects.
• Leadership:
• Aligns with, and models, the mission, vision, purpose, principles, values, and culture of the Union.
• Brings value to the Executive Committee and Council and acts as an advisor at the strategic level on the development and application of mNPR policy instrument.
• Responsible for the effectiveness of staff within their department: in collaboration with other leaders in the department, where applicable, assessing workloads and establishing effective assignments; monitoring workload/caseloads and response timelines; responding to member complaints about staff; arranging relief staffing; and approving overtime and leave requests.
• Responsible for the development of Ratios team staff and working with HR on matters of discipline.
• Participating in decision making around the overall goals of the organization. Hiring staff, conducting staff evaluations, and imposing discipline up to and including termination.
• Supporting the professional development of staff both informally with coaching and formally with courses/workshop opportunities.
• Fostering a respectful work environment that supports the psychological and physical wellbeing of staff.
• Incorporates the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada throughout their work.
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Mentorship:
• Provides mentorship and role-models the values of the organization to members of their team ensuring staff engagement, retention, and growth.
• Provide mentorship to other elected members or members in general (e.g., Stewards, Regional Ratio Representatives, Regional Council Members, etc.).
• Data and reporting:
• Keeps staff and Council up to date on mNPR.
• Ensures ratio data quality, accuracy and security in collaboration with IT.
• Design and implement comprehensive data collection strategies and produce analytical reports to inform strategic decision-making.
• Provides expertise and professional briefing reports to Council.
• Attends Council meetings as required.
• Provides clear direction and timely responses to all matters under this portfolio.
• Brings together disparate elements and enables multiple parties to work together productively.
• Budget and financial:
• Manage the Ratio budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently, and align with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with other departments and the finance department to ensure ratio strategies are aligned with the organization's financial goals.
• Provides input into the annual professional practice budget; implements and monitors the operating budget to ensure targets are met.

Candidate Qualifications
Performs other related duties as assigned.
An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Education and Professional Certifications

• A Master's degree in Nursing or Leadership in Healthcare, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• BCCNM registration or eligibility for registration.
• Formal courses in conflict resolution would be an asset.

Experience and Knowledge

• 7 to 10 years' experience in nursing clinical practice and nursing leadership roles.
• A deep understanding of the healthcare system and nursing landscape, including current challenges impacting patients and nurses.
• Experience navigating complex political environments and engaging with interested parties to forward the agenda of BCNU members.
• A strong understanding of the mNPR policy instrument, the Provincial Collective Agreement, regulatory bodies, and the impact on BCNU and its members.
• A track record of collating and synthesizing the views of a diverse group of people into an impactful and actionable strategic plan.
• Experience with adult education approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing high-performance teams.
• Experience executing multiple complex projects at the same time.
• Experience working with boards and committees.
• Financial literacy; ability to manage budgets.

Key Competencies

• Creative problem solver with a strong focus on developing fair and effective solutions within a complex environment.
• A skilled communicator able to build networks and influence across the union, Employers, and other related stakeholders in government and the health care sector.
• Superior written and oral communication, presentation, report development, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to working with leadership and in cross-functional teams; positive experience in dealing with all levels of the organization, such as management, co-workers, support staff, Council, and members.
• Ability to manage projects from concept to completion, maintaining quality standards and meeting Council and member expectations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Sound judgement is required to translate broad directives and strategies into specific plans and actionable items.
• Highly organized with the ability to effectively prioritize and work under pressure.
• An advocate for healthcare and/or social justice (ideally with experience in British Columbia).
• Willingness and ability to take responsibility for their programs in the context of organizational risk.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Why work at BCNU?
BCNU speaks up and speaks out for safe, quality, public health care. We pride ourselves in providing protection, representation, and services to all members and in supporting our employees. Our organizational values are rooted in respect, integrity, and collaboration, guiding us in building a workplace culture where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognize and prioritize cultural and psychological health and safety. As part of our dedication to equity and justice, we honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and are actively engaged in advancing Indigenous-focused initiatives.

Benefits
We offer an inclusive workplace with a comprehensive range of benefits and resources to promote well-being, career growth and work-life balance. This includes but is not limited to:

• Competitive compensation and extended health and dental benefits package
• Municipal Pension Plan
• 4 weeks vacation entitlement to start
• Hybrid work environment
• Education and professional development opportunities

If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we'd like to hear from you

Please also reach out to us at to let us know of any accommodations you require through our application and selection process.