RN/RPN, MH&SUS Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (MICR)

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 services to individuals with mental illness and / or substance use issues.

In partnership with the municipal police / RCMP officer, the nurse assists in responding to Emergency mental health and domestic violence calls and to requests from hospital and community mental health services, provides emergency on-site assessment of persons who are thought to be in psychiatric or psychosocial crises.

The nurse and police officer work as a team to assess, manage, and decide the most appropriate intervention. Responsibilities Responds to crisis situations by methods such as obtaining collateral information, determining when a response is necessary, and coordinating a response with the police and other emergency providers, providing outreach, short term treatment, crisis intervention, stabilization, and referrals.

Assesses for lethality, threats of violence, suicide risk, and urgency of intervention by methods such as conducting mental health and risk assessments in coordination with the police officer.

Assesses clients’ needs and available services by methods such as developing treatment options, ensuring client input, and refers to appropriate community treatment alternatives.

Facilitates treatment by sharing care plans with community resources and appropriate mental health professionals and family as required.

Screens and intervenes in urgent response situations by methods such as acquiring background information, making initial assessments, ensuring completion of appropriate forms, contacting appropriate parties and arranging transportation as required, in accordance with established protocols.

Provides medication management by methods such as maintaining a medication kit, administering medications in accordance with physician orders, monitoring effects of medications, and providing information to clients about medications.

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, adjustments to care plans as required, and in regard to changes in client condition.

Documents assessments, care plan, observations, interventions, client / family responses, outcomes / evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures, and to meet regulatory requirements and documenting for future reference.

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.

Provides health education to clients, families, and consumer groups by methods such as providing information regarding illness prevention, early intervention, crisis management, suicide prevention, critical incident stress debriefing, medication management, community resources and coping with illness.

Provides advocacy for clients by informing consumers about appeal processes, access to information, and the availability of consumer advocacy.

As part of crisis stabilization, ensures basic needs are met through accessing available programs. Promotes the Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Program and participates in meetings and on committees as required.

Participates with other stakeholders in case conferences in the development of the community care plan for high users of crisis and emergency services.

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

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from approved School of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing.

Two years recent related experience providing treatment services to individuals with mental health and / or concurrent disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and / or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Valid Class 5 BC Driver''s License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage. Skills and Abilities Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use assessment and provide nursing care through appropriate / prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention.

Knowledge of mental illness 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 services.

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 educate clients and families / care givers about topics essential to their health care and well-being. 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 evidence-informed practice.

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