Community Mental Health Nurse, Psychosis Treatment Optimization

Fraser Health

Salary range: The salary range for this position is CAD $41.42 – $59.52 / hour Why Fraser Health?:

Fraser Health is the second largest health system in Canada with over 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers, and is the largest of five regional health authorities in British Columbia, providing hospital and community-based health services to nearly 2 million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

We invite you to apply today and find out why employees recommend Fraser Health to their friends as an exceptional place to work. We are committed to planetary health, we value diversity in the work force and seek to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring and Trust. Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? Like us on Facebook (@fraserhealthcareers), follow us on Twitter & Instagram (@FHCareer), or connect with us on LinkedIn (fraserhealthcareers) for first-hand employee insights.

 

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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 support and treatment optimization for persons experiencing psychosis. The nurse liaises with other PTOP clinics, Mental Health Centres and Hospital Inpatient Units across Fraser Health, as well as community primary care physicians/nurse practitioners and private psychiatrists to identify treatment resistant psychosis clients in order to optimize their treatments; provides ongoing support for clinical staff, clients and their families. Using collaborative care principles the nurse screens and assesses clients, and participates in the development of care plans including provisions for monitoring of blood tests and other laboratory results as part of a client monitoring system. The Nurse also works in close association with the interprofessional community mental health team, agencies and other community service providers. This position involves travelling to various Mental Health & Substance Use sites. Responsibilities:

  • Provides direct nursing care in the screening, assessment and provision of care to complex psychotic clients with treatment resistant psychosis and collaborates with psychiatrists and primary care physicians to provide support for earlier identification, evidence-based planning, and support during implementation and treatment.
  • Assists in identifying the number of clients that will be diagnosed with treatment resistant psychosis by collecting baseline demographics about each client, and performing physical, functional and suicide risk assessment.
  • In collaboration with the psychiatrist, and in accordance with Fraser Health protocols, monitors blood tests and other laboratory results for adverse effects of medication and immediately takes appropriate action as per clinical protocols.
  • Collaborates with psychiatrists and staff at PTOP clinics and mental health centres and hospital inpatient units throughout Fraser Health as well as primary care physicians/nurse practitioners, private psychiatrists and other health care professionals in clinics and community programs and services.
  • Communicates and consults with Coordinators and other team members of the community mental health team, hospital inpatient teams, community primary care physicians/nurse practitioners and private psychiatrists on client care issues, resources and care planning; organizes and participates in interprofessional conferences and with psychiatrist as required; explains plan of care to clients and their family.
  • Provides client advocacy services by assisting clients and their family members to access appropriate community resources.
  • Maintains client records by collecting and documenting information including health care information regarding clients and their families, including electronic data entry, nursing observations, telephone communications, assessments and treatment formulations to ensure that client records are current and complete; obtains consent forms for release of client information.
  • Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.
  • Provides input to the Manager/Coordinator regarding policies, procedures, and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions that address client and family needs and promote effective use of resources.
  • Acts as a resource for clients, families, and other team members.
  • Documents assessments, nursing diagnosis, observations, interventions, client/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.
  • Promotes the implementation and evaluation of nursing research and quality monitoring activities as directed by participation in nursing committees and by keeping current through attendance at educational and in-service opportunities.
  • Participates in clinical research and program evaluation opportunities relevant to the needs of clients, families, and the community, by providing required information, participating in research processes and trials, and making suggestions related to research initiatives and research funding.
  • Identifies own learning needs/goals, reviews these with the Team Coordinator and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs/goals.
  • Provides consultation and collegial sharing of information to members of the health care team with respect to client care.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Qualifications: Education and Experience

    Graduation from an approved School of Nursing plus two (2) years recent, related experience in a community or hospital psychiatric setting, 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). Valid B.C. Driver’s license and access to personal vehicle, with appropriate business insurance coverage.

    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.
    • 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.



    Job ID: 43124577376

    Fraser Health

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