RN/RPN, MH&SUS Specialized Populations

Detailed Overview

• In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse / Registered Psychiatric Nurse provides assessment, treatment, consultation and follow-up services to clients and their caregivers;
• liaises with relevant community agencies in the planning and development of service for the relevant client population of the assigned team such as Geriatric Mental Health, or Youth Developmental Disabilities, or other;

provides education on mental health and substance use issues to professionals and caregivers. Responsibilities Provides clinical nursing services, on a case management basis, to clients and their caregivers referred to the team by screening referrals, providing comprehensive nursing assessments and making recommendations for treatment planning and consultation in collaboration with the interprofessional team.

• Provides education on mental health and substance use issues related to the relevant client population to care givers, professionals, community groups and agencies;
• presents information / education sessions to professional colleagues and other government / non-government agencies by developing, delivering and evaluating evidence informed educational programs;
• supervises and instructs nursing students. Carries out treatment plans and interventions, including administering prescribed psychotropic medication, monitoring the effects, and encouraging medication compliance;

provision of support and crisis intervention through home visits and outreach, including facilitation of hospitalization where necessary.

Provides follow-up and monitoring of complex psychiatric / medical situations, including substance use / dependence, and referral services where necessary.

Consults and collaborates with members of the interprofessional care team including MH&SUS Physicians, Primary Care Providers (GP / NP), Team Coordinator, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals / providers in the identification and resolution of issues, as well as adjustments to care plans as required.

Facilitates clients'' utilization of appropriate community services by liaising and collaborating with key service providers in order to ensure appropriate, timely, and seamless care.

Initiates and participates in case conferences / meetings with clients, families, service providers and team members to review and plan care.

Advocates for clients to protect and promote their autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information. Documents assessments, observations, interventions, patient / family responses, outcomes / evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.

Provides consultation and liaison to referral agencies, health service providers and care givers to improve care of clients with mental health and substance use issues.

Identifies own learning needs / goals, reviews these with the Team Coordinator and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs / goals.

Participates on professional committees for improvement of client care and / or work environment by reviewing delivery practices to promote improvements to client care and for the efficient and safe operation of the clinical area.

Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.

Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and / or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Two years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid Class 5 B.

C. Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage. Skills and Abilities Ability to network with other services and agencies.

Ability to teach and provide consultation to clients, their care-networks and other health- care professionals. Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use client assessment and provide nursing care through appropriate / prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention.

Knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment. Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects). Counselling and group facilitation skills.

Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to mental health and substance use practices.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, families / care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.

Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for clients / families / care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.

Ability to organize and prioritize work. Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.

Ability to use factual information and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence / evidence-informed practice.

Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.