About the position

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 recovery oriented services and ensures linkage between hospitals and community treatment and support services, provides crisis counselling, suicide prevention and treatment, and provides short term follow up as required to assist in reducing demand and bed utilization in hospitals and to provide more effective care and treatment for children and adolescents.

Responsibilities

• Regularly communicates with other members of the health care interdisciplinary team within acute inpatient units and emergency regarding the anticipated discharge of patient and their potential needs for transition support and connections within the community.
• Assesses clients, and provides short-term crisis counselling and follow-up treatment, including suicide prevention and intervention, to clients and their families, to reduce demand and bed utilization in hospitals, and to provide care until patients are linked to appropriate community mental health resources. Uses a variety of interviewing, counselling, and assessment methods, in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Clients include those who require intensive, transitional care, including those at risk of hospitalization, those not suitable for admission, and patients treated for suicide threats and attempts.
• Provides referrals, in accordance with established protocols, for mental health and/or substance use clients not requiring hospitalization, to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services i.e. for children and adolescents, to include the Ministry of Children and Family Development programs, individual and/or family therapy, alcohol and drug treatment and school (re)integration. Acts as a resource for patients, families, and other team members.
• Maintains client records by recording information such as client assessments, charting client information via PARIS and/or other clinical information systems, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures and to meet regulatory requirements, documenting for future reference and ensuring that access to and disclosure of information and records are in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
• Provides mental health and/or substance use community casework information and expertise by attending meetings and participating on committees as required.
• Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying patient care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.
• Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice.
• Maintains current knowledge in Nursing practice in the mental health and/or substance use field, by methods such as reviewing literature in the assigned clinical specialty area, consulting with clinical and community experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Two (2) years recent, related experience in a child and adolescent community or hospital psychiatric setting, or in a rapid response crisis stabilization function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.
• 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 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 infant, child and youth. Mental health and/or 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 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 research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.
• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position

Benefits

• four weeks of vacation to start
• comprehensive health benefits
• pension plan