General Duty Nurse, Mental Health

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The General Duty Nurse, Mental Health & Addictions provides nursing care to individuals with concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders, homelessness and physical health needs. Provides direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of acute and chronic illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, addictions, mental health and general health issues. Performs physical, addiction and psychiatric assessments, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications. Observes, monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions. Provides education and support to clients/groups using a health promotion approach. Works collaboratively with other health care professionals, client, family and community.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, addictions, mental health and general health issues. Performs physical, addiction and psychiatric assessments, collects specimens, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols and makes appropriate adjustments.
2. Observes, monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities. Initiates and facilitates discharge planning; identifies referrals to other health professionals.
3. Provides education and support to clients and groups using a health promotion approach regarding matters such as contraception, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and minor dermatology problems.
4. Works collaboratively with other health care professionals, client, family and community in the identification and resolution of health issues, cultural and language barriers, ethical dilemmas and coordination and integration of care, and makes referrals to other service providers as appropriate.
5. Maintains accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies; prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation. Documents client/family perspectives and nursing observations.
6. Uses appropriate supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental standards and safe care requirements. Problem-solves equipment malfunctions with technical staff. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
7. Maintains an awareness of current Occupation Health & Safety guidelines and standards. Responds to incidents such as missing clients, injuries to staff or visitors, Code Blue or white emergencies, hazardous and/or minor spills, aggressive and/or disruptive behaviors; completes Incident Report forms.
8. Participates in unit/team/program activities to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and facilitate evidence-based nursing practice. Promotes quality management principles. Identifies and reports unsafe practice/professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
9. Applies an evidence-based approach to clinical problem solving through methods such as reviewing relevant literature/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
10. Participates on committees as directed to promote optimal support for clients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the unit/team/program.
11. Demonstrates and/or provides guidance on clinical and health related tasks to designated care givers and guides the clinical experience of assigned students and new staff; provides input to the Manager and/or designated as requested on individual’s progress in achieving established standards of nursing care.
12. Maintains standards of nursing practice and develops professional competence through in service, inter-disciplinary case conferences, team meetings and other educational means, as required by the employer.
13. Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice, and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Two 2 years’ recent experience providing acute or community health nursing care/services to clients who have concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
• Working knowledge of community health nursing theory including mental health and addictions, communicable diseases and practice within a client/family -centered approach.
• Working knowledge of British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) Standards for Nursing Practice.
• Knowledge of the BC Mental Health Act, other facilities and community resources.
• Working knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques. Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events
• Demonstrated case management, teaching/training, clinical support and consultation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job.
• Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.