Purpose :
As part of our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Service, we provide short-term, acute care to children and adolescents (under the age of 18) experiencing acute symptoms of serious mental illness who cannot manage in the community. The care environment is designed specifically for children and adolescents. Care includes psychiatric assessment, stabilization, treatment, and transition planning utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach.
Duties :
- Participate and collaborate with Mental Health and Addictions Program, other health care providers and community partners in provision of patient care.
- Effectively use the Standards of Nursing Practice and the Nursing Process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of the patient.
- Provide educational support to staff, patients, and family on psychiatric issues.
- Liaise closely within the Mental Health Program through attendance at interdisciplinary rounds, team and family meetings, discussions with EPS staff, and provide leadership in developing and implementing care plans, etc.
- Use evidence based practice in the provision of education and patient care.
- Conduct a nursing assessment and mental status exam of the psychiatric patient.
- Work closely with the psychiatrists / delegates, emergency physicians, emergency nurses, Crisis Intervention, family physicians, other interdisciplinary team members and community partners to provide care to the psychiatric patient.
- Liaise with community partners to support the patient’s transition out of hospital
- Facilitate therapeutic groups and activities for patients on the unit
- Provide assistance in planning corrective actions to ensure safety for patients and staff.
- Comply with legislation, organizational and departmental, regulations, standards and procedures related to occupational health and safety
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications :
Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standingExperience :
Minimum of 1 year experience working in Mental Health and Addictions requiredSkills :
Excellent communication and organization skillsHuman relations skills including empathy, sensitivity, understanding of human and organizational behavior, motivational techniques and counseling skillsCritical thinking and problem solving skillsAbility :
Training and demonstrated ability to conduct a thorough nursing assessment of patient history, presenting illness, mental status and other relevant psychiatric assessmentsAbility to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced environment in stressful situationsUnderstanding and ability to implement requirements outlined in the Mental Health ActDemonstrated ability to maintain successful working relationships with an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomesAbility to meet and interact with people in a pleasant, professional, responsible and reassuring manner, both in person and on the telephone; tact courtesy and alertness in public contactsKnowledge of and ability to liaise with community resourcesDemonstrated Behavior consistent with Hospital Mission, Vision, Values and Standards of Performance.