Professional Practice Officer USW-008-26

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.

Job Title:

Professional Practice Officer

Regular Full-Time

Reporting To:

Coordinator, PPA

Posting #:

USW-008-26

Bargaining Unit:

USW 2009

Pay Grade:

5 ($107,162.52 annually)

Starting:

February 2026

Posting Period:    

January 23 to February 1, 2026

Position Overview

This is a generalist position with the Professional Practice and Advocacy department. The Professional Practice Officer is responsible for a diverse portfolio, working in collaboration with all areas of the department, including PRP, Research/Health Policy, Student Practice, Bursaries, and Ratios. This includes day-to-day maintenance of collective agreement provisions, researching and analyzing information, providing recommendations, facilitating learning opportunities, supporting members with the interpretation, implementation, and compliance of minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPR), supporting professional practice issues, and advancing related strategy and initiatives across the province. This work will include nursing students and members.

Key Responsibilities

Addresses nursing practice issues, patient/client/resident safety, workload issues, issues related to mNPR implementation and safe staffing compliance, and some day-to-day maintenance of collective agreement provisions, using a professional responsibility strategy for assigned regions located throughout B.C.

• Elevates and advances professional nursing practice by empowering nurses to understand and exercise their professional and contractual rights, strengthen clinical decision-making, and advocate for safe care conditions.
• Works collaboratively with a range of different parties to: develop strategy, envision and manage required shifts in organizational culture, build membership and leadership support for this area of the Union's work, and realize a wide variety of initiatives related to both professional practice and mNPR.
• Develops and delivers PRF and mNPR education courses for BCNU members, stewards and health authority employees as required; participates in existing BCNU education programs. Assist other staff members with presentation of education materials by providing instructional support.
• Communicates both internally and to external organizations regarding relevant and topical professional responsibility issues and mNPR progress and trends.
• Acts as a resource person to the Union's Council as required on matters related to professional practice and mNPR.
• Assists in planning and execution of select BCNU conferences, including the Practice Conference and Leadership Conference.
• Promotes nursing practice by planning events and communications related to National Nursing Week.
• Project work as directed.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have: 

1. 
   
2. College or university education in an approved Nursing Program. A master's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and related experience preferred. Specialty training in a specific area of practice would be an asset.
3. Demonstrated ability to explain professional practice issues and mNPR policy to members and others.
4. Demonstrated ability and experience dealing with professional practice issues, collective agreement administration, and nursing license matters.
5. A thorough understanding of the complexities facing nurses and student nurses across BC. 
6. Extensive and progressive experience years) as an active BCNU representative or member would be an asset.
7. Demonstrated experience of organizing membership campaigns and/or public rallies, and/or group grievances and/or media events and demonstrated understanding of and ability to utilize and implement the organizing model.
8. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work with teams. Demonstrated experience of organizing membership campaigns and/or public rallies, and/or group grievances and/or media events and demonstrated understanding of and ability to utilize and implement the organizing model and/or equivalent experience.
9. Demonstrated ability to research nursing policy and nursing research studies and summarize findings.
10. Demonstrated ability to understand the collective agreement language related to professional responsibility issues and argue a strong case for the redress of problems. 
11. Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills, strong facilitation and presentation abilities and skill in communicating contrary positions with respect and awareness at all levels of the union and with external parties.
12. Strong writing skills, understanding of clear language and experience producing written materials (policy papers, outreach materials, articles, proposals, etc.).
13. Demonstrated and proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
14. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy.
15. Willingness to travel throughout the province and carry a valid driver's license.

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. 

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.