Psychiatric Assessment Nurse — ABSU (Casual)

Job Description

Summary

Providence Health Care (PHC) is a health and wellness resource for all British Columbians. We’re committed to treating those we serve — and each other — with compassion and respect.

We provide a range of coordinated emergency, inpatient, outpatient, specialized diagnostic and treatment services and provincial services for people with serious mental illnesses, including those with addictions.

While it started with very humble roots, the PHC of today has grown; now there are almost 9,000 people working at our 17 sites. We have 8,000 staff, 1,500 medical staff / physicians, 200 researchers, 1,600 volunteers.

“How you want to be treated” is now a benchmark — for all of us, every day.

PHC is strongly committed to creating and maintaining a workplace of choice where employees are recognized and valued.

PHC strives to provide work-life balance and promotes a positive work culture by having integrated support model of training, mentoring and coaching so the Manager can support their staff to provide exceptional care.

We see a person before we see an illness.

We believe that building relationships with our patients starts from the first encounter.

We listen with open minds and hearts to help our patients regain stability and return to the things they enjoy.

Where we are located

St. Paul's Hospital is an acute care, teaching and research hospital located in downtown Vancouver. It is home to many world-class medical and surgical programs, including heart and lung services, HIV / AIDS, mental health, emergency, critical care, kidney care, elder care and numerous surgical specialties.

The Opportunity

St. Paul's Hospital is currently seeking Psychiatric Assessment Nurses to join its Acute Behavioural Stabilization Unit (ABSU). The psychiatric assessment nurse (PAN) is a resource to assist the emergency physician and department in the assessment of individuals presenting with mental health and / or substance use, providing culturally safe and trauma informed care. The PAN provides urgent, intensive assessments, crisis intervention, stabilization and engages in the plan of care for patients. Working within the emergency department the PAN provides liaison support for patient care and flow in collaboration with the Emergency Clinical Nurse Leader, Mental Health Program and Interdisciplinary teams, including community mental health programs and law enforcement. Within the context of client and family centered model of care, in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, the person promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

What is the ABSU?

The Acute Behavioural Stabilization Unit (ABSU) is part of St. Paul's Emergency Department; it is open 24 hours a day and consists of short-stay admissions (48-72 hours).

The unit is staffed with an interdisciplinary team of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, psychiatrists, registered psychiatric nurses, psychiatric assessment nurses and social workers, and receives input from addictions consultants.

St. Paul's Emergency Department

St. Paul’s Emergency Department specializes in complex diagnosis, surgery, and medicine cases including, but not limited to, neurology / stroke management, gastroenterology, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, and mental health / substance use patients.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Operations Leader, coordinates the day to day operations of a designated nursing unit and supervises staff. Acts as a clinical resource to nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members in the provision of direct care to patients / residents. Assists the Operations Leader in assessing clinical development needs / interests of staff, and with orientation and educational programs. Assists in the promotion of research and quality improvement initiatives within the program team.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education

Registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN / RPN registrant, qualifications required of staff nurse in clinical area, plus three years of recent related experience in clinical specialty, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to supervise.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures appropriate for the area of service.

Ability to deal with and promote change.

Ability to role model conflict resolution strategies.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to apply decision making and analytical skills.

Ability to deal with others effectively.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to organize and prioritize work.

Ability to operate related equipment.

Ability to teach, coach, and provide clinical supervision.

Ability to collaborate with other members of a interdisciplinary team.

Ability to match skills of staff with clinical needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinates the day to day patient / resident care activities of the nursing unit by performing duties such as supervising staff, the active and ongoing monitoring and follow-up on the work of staff, coordinating work assignments, providing critical input on employee performance, orientating new employees, calling in relief staff as necessary, and authorizing overtime shifts. Problem-solves and troubleshoots staffing issues.

Monitors the patient / resident acuity and flow of patients / residents on the nursing unit, to ensure that staffing levels match patient / resident and unit needs. Makes adjustments to the assignments as changes in acuity occur.

Acts as a clinical resource to nursing staff, students, and other members of the interdisciplinary team, by demonstrating procedures, answering questions related to clinical practice issues, problem solving, and troubleshooting concerns. Advises Operations Leader and / or resource person of issues / concerns.

Participates in rounds / clinics and collaborates with nursing staff by assisting in the assessment of patient / resident problems and needs, planning and prioritizing of nursing intervention, and implementing and evaluating interventions.

Collaborates with nursing staff to determine needs for consultation with Physicians, Nurse Consultants, and other disciplines or departments. Arranges for consultation when required.

Acts as the patient / resident and family advocate by communicating patient / resident and family concerns to other members of the patient / resident care team. Intervenes if required.

Performs direct nursing care by assuming responsibility for a patient / resident assignment.

Provides input into the development, evaluation, and delivery of orientation, in conjunction with other members of the health care team. Makes recommendations regarding changes or new initiatives. Participates in the orientation of new employees.

Collaborates with the Operations Leader the nursing staff, and other team members, in identifying specific learning needs of nurses and implementing educational strategies and programs. Presents in-service educational sessions for staff as required.

Reviews policies, procedures, and reference materials, and provides feedback and input to the Operations Leader or designate for changes and modifications. Updates as approved.

Assists the Operations Leader and other resource nurses in promoting further education, by mentoring staff regarding educational opportunities, and assisting with interpersonal conflict resolution and the development of clinical nursing skills.

Provides input to the Operations Leader regarding Performance Planning and Coaching of unit staff. Acts as clinical resource to unit staff in the Performance Planning and Coaching process.

Assists the Nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team in the identification of researchable clinical patient / resident care management problems. Participates in research initiatives and projects related to patient / resident care and / or nursing practices as requested, disseminates findings, and assists in applying and implementing research findings into practice.

Provides input and recommendations to the Operations Leader regarding equipment, supplies, and staffing requirements. Advises the Operations Leader of concerns and problems and provides suggestions to resolve problems.

Collaborates with interdisciplinary care team members regarding quality improvement initiatives, by making recommendations for QI projects, implementing processes and procedures upon authorization, and evaluating results. Makes adjustments as required, upon authorization of Operations Leader.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Vaccination Flag

As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care / Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.