Community Addictions Health Nurse IV - RAAM

POSITION SUMMARY

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The Community Addictions Health Nurse (CAHN) is an integral member of the RHA Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic. The CAHN is part of an integrated inter-professional team. The CAHN provides nursing services within a co-occurring disorders (mental health & harm reduction) model to individuals seeking addictions assessment and treatment. The CAHN is responsible to coordinate the clinic operations. The CAHN works collaboratively with providers internal and external to the RHA, inclusive of but not limited to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, primary care providers, psychiatrists, mental health services, community pharmacists, emergency departments, EMS, and a range of health and social agencies, to create and provide comprehensive & collaborative services. The CAHN acts as a resource and knowledge broker regarding harm reduction, addiction/mental health issues and interventions based on evidenced based research & practice.

The CAHN takes a lead role in the development and provision of promotional, prevention and education sessions/activities. The aim is to improve understanding about mental health & addiction issues in order to strengthen individual, family, group and community systems. In collaboration and partnership with other health care providers, clients, their families and community stakeholders, the CAHN focuses on supporting individuals in their personal recovery where they live, learn, work and socialize.

The position of Community Addictions Health Nurse functions in a manner consistent with, and supports the mission, vision and values of Prairie Mountain Health.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

1. Leads the coordination of the RAAM clinic operations.

2. Provides client-centered assessments of health status and functional competence of the individual, inclusive of natural supports.

3. Identifies and implements a range of evidenced based interventions including health promotion, disease prevention and direct clinical care strategies including harm reduction along with short and long-term goals and outcomes according to the individual’s recovery plan.

4. Develops a mutually agreed upon plan and priorities for care with the individual and family and/or substitute decision-maker.

5. Completes of approved Opioid Antagonist Therapy (OAT) education.

6. Facilitates the management of specific medication protocols and practices.

7. Provides ongoing medication assessment, administration and monitoring, inclusive of titrating dosages for specific substance misuse conditions.

8. Provides medication teaching and support.

9. Facilitates management of specific medication protocols. (Opioids, ETOH, Methamphetamines etc.)

10. Liaises with community pharmacies for the management of RAAM patients on maintenance therapy or on other medications ( addresses issues such as missed doses, requests for take-home doses or early renewal of medications etc.), communicates these with the most responsible primary care provider and maintains documentation standards of these in the EMR.

11. Acts as resource to colleagues regarding medications and protocols, such as emergency departments etc.

12. Organizes and manages workload to perform job requirements, including verifying medication orders and placing orders according to policy.

13. Engages in clinical outreach and provides telephone consultation to patients who phone RAAM service in need of support or in crisis. Screens, assesses and arranges a follow up plan for RAAM patients which may include further physician care, consultation or referral to a community service.

14. Arranges for walk in patients to be sent to a nearby emergency department if medically necessary.

15. Establishes relationship for RAAM patients without a primary care provider to an appropriate care provider ASAP. Actively advocates and registers patients with Family Dr. Finder program as needed.

16. Uses harm reduction strategies to identify, reduce or remove risk factors in a variety of contexts.

17. Ensures documentation is complete and is consistent with regional and established RAAM policies including the health record, clinical hand-off, occurrence reports, etc.

18. Liaises with the inter-professional team and community service providers to meet the individualized needs of the client.

19. Provides case management responsibilities for clients enrolled to the RAAM Clinic and ensures follow up from a brief treatment perspective.

20. Collaborates on development and use of follow-up systems that ensure that the individual receives appropriate and effective service, including crisis planning and intervention for safety and protection.

21. Uses knowledge of the community to link with, refer to or develop appropriate community resources.

22. Assists in the response to and management of urgent client needs, inclusive of access to withdrawal management services and beds.

23. Understands and uses social marketing, media and advocacy strategies to raise awareness of addiction/mental health issues and to reduce stigma regarding addiction/mental health issues.

24. Practices in accordance with legislation relevant to community health practice ( Mental Health Act including Public Guardian and Trustee legislation, Vulnerable Persons Act, Public Health Act, Child and Adult Protection Acts, Personal Health Information Act).

25. Works collaboratively with the client, family, community, other professionals and stakeholders to identify needs, strengths and available resources within a context of cultural safety.

26. Participates on committees, teams or working groups at the local, regional, provincial or national level.

27. Participates in the region’s Continuous Quality Improvement Program and Accreditation Program.

28. Leads the development and planning for evaluation of the RAAM Clinic.

29. Manages the collection of statistics for patient consults and new RAAM clinic visits, reviews and analyzes the data for evaluation purposes

30. Develops and conducts educational session with RHA programs & services (such as primary care providers, ED’s, mental health program staff etc.) on RAAM services and withdrawal management of alcohol/opioids etc.

31. Builds capacity by developing and conducting educational sessions on counselling patients with disorders such as alcohol/opioid use and connecting them with resources.

32. Collaborates with in-service education programs to identify, plan and facilitate implementation and evaluates orientation and staff development programs.

33. Maintains and updates knowledge of new developments in departmental areas through journal reviews, interest groups, lectures, and committee work.

34. Acts as a primary support for health care professionals by raising addiction awareness, promoting knowledge development in addiction treatment and recovery.

35. Develops strong partnerships with community resources to better coordinate the expectation for care and referrals for care for RAAM patients.

36. Provides mentorship for new staff and supports the learning of students.

37. Maintains and updates professional & management skills through continuing education programs, literature reviews, interest groups, and lectures.

38. Maintains professional and management linkages/networks with peers.

39. Communicates with co-workers both individually and as a group to promote efficient operation and high morale.

40. Communicates with co-workers in achieving efficient operation of the department/program.

41. Communicates with co-workers in promoting inter-program, inter-departmental and regional operations.

42. Other duties as assigned