Pediatric Psychiatric Liaison Nurse

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 Pediatric Psychiatric Liaison Nurse performs intake assessment, offers crisis intervention, and provides input into the care of psychiatric and concurrent disordered pediatric patients in the Emergency Departments.

Provides input into the care of pediatric psychiatric patients awaiting transfer for further assessment or inpatient admission.

Assists with ensuring effective patient flow for assessed pediatric patients through collaboration with Emergency Departments and / or inpatient unit interprofessional team, community mental health and substance use interprofessional team, and other community service providers.

Assists in care planning to address psychiatric care needs, with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Physicians or consulting Psychiatrist.

The Pediatric Psychiatric Liaison Nurse works in close association with the interprofessional community Child & Youth mental health team, agencies and other community service providers.

This position requires travel to and / or work at various site Emergency departments within Fraser Health. May provide short term follow-up treatment and case management services for pediatric patients treated in the Pediatric Emergency and / or Emergency Department or on the inpatient unit.

Responsibilities Screens psychiatric referrals from a variety of internal and external sources, gathers background information and determines service priorities.

Works with Emergency Department / inpatient unit staff in the identification of potential psychiatric referrals. Performs psychosocial assessments and collects collateral related to patients'' primary support group, social environment, occupation, education, housing, finance, health service access, and legal problems.

Completes emergency psychiatry patient assessments for patients triaged to psychiatry. Develops care plans with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Room Physician or consulting psychiatrist and provides general and crisis counselling to patients and their families including short term crisis follow-up in accordance with approved treatment plans.

May provide short-term follow-up treatment and case management services for pediatric patients treated in the Emergency Department.

Communicates and consults with Coordinators and other members of the interprofessional mental health and substance use team on patient care issues, resources and discharge planning;

organizes and participates in interprofessional conferences; engages patients and their family in plan of care and refers patients to other services as required.

Provides patient advocacy services with other agencies, services and service providers. Documents assessments, care plan, observations, interventions, patient / family responses, outcomes / evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.

Participates in patient care conferences of admitted pediatric psychiatric patients as required to ensure appropriate discharge planning and linkages to appropriate community mental health services.

Liaises with appropriate departments and professionals and facilitates transition to aftercare by sharing emergency treatment outcomes and care plans with Mental Health & Substance Use staff.

Acts as patient advocate by assisting patients and their family members to access appropriate community resources. Provides guidance to interprofessional team involved in caring for pediatric psychiatric patients and provides input for team members actively involved in violence de-escalation, suicide prevention, seclusion, and restraint practices.

Ensures safe patient management and adherence to restraint policies and procedures. Participates in 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.

Provides input to the Managers regarding policies, procedures, and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions that address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.

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

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

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. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Graduation from an approved school of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing. Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and / or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

One year's recent, related experience in an acute psychiatric setting, including experience working with an adolescent population, specialty training in adolescent psychiatry or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle with appropriate business insurance. Skills and Abilities Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use patient 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 practices.

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

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

Ability to educate patients 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 Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.