RN/RPN, Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit/Psychiatric High Acuity Unit

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 and coordinates the delivery of psychiatric nursing care services to patients experiencing serious mental health and bio-psychosocial problems requiring assessment and treatment stabilization.

The RN / RPN demonstrates nursing expertise and provides clinical leadership in evidence based practices through direct care activities including nursing assessments, crisis intervention, patient and family education and health promotion activities from a psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) perspective.

Sets priorities, and assigns and delegates tasks to support staff. Responsibilities Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates nursing care of assigned clients, by performing activities such as reviewing client / family history, conducting physical / psychosocial assessments, monitoring of medical and psychiatric conditions, and providing psycho-education to individuals, clients and their support systems.

Identifies actual or potential problems and strengths through nursing diagnosis, plans interventions, performs planned interventions and evaluates outcomes.

Develops, implements, evaluates and documents psycho-social rehabilitative plans in collaboration with the clients' support systems and interdisciplinary team members, evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions and communicates to the team and physician / psychiatrist of changes in the condition of the client.

Facilitates individual and / or group treatment, through the use of cognitive, behavioural, educational, problem solving, and crisis intervention methods.

Provides individual supportive counselling to clients and families in accordance with approved treatment methods. Provides life skills training when applicable in the area of personal life, leisure, and medical nursing interventions and responses to medical / psychiatric emergencies.

Actively participates in and supports the total therapeutic program of the Unit. Collects information from a variety of sources using skills of observation, communication and physical assessment to enable the provision of appropriate nursing care.

Writes timely and accurate reports of relevant assessments and observations including client and family education and evaluation of nursing care.

Communicates and consults with members of the health care team about clients'''' care; sets priorities, assigns and delegates tasks to support staff;

participates in interprofessional conferences; explains plan of care to clients and their family. Acts as an advocate to protect and promote the clients' rights to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity and access to information.

Participates in quality improvement activities and research by identifying patient care issues and collecting data. Participates as an active member on nursing and hospital committees and councils for improvement of client care and / or work environment.

Participates in the orientation and ongoing education of nursing staff and students by providing information and acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate.

Identifies self-learning needs and attends educational programs to maintain and enhance clinical competency. Participates in the evaluation of patient care programs, techniques, standards and procedures by providing feedback about effectiveness and client care outcomes.

Maintains a safe environment for clients, families and staff by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures.

Performs other professionally related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved School of Nursing.

One year of recent related mental health experience in an acute, tertiary or community setting working with clients experiencing an acute episode of serious, complex and persistent mental illness and their families, 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).

Skills and Abilities 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. Working knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery. 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 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.