Registered Nurse​/Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services

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 treatment and care management services that are both inclusionary and flexible for individuals with mental illness and concurrent disorders (e.g. substance use, developmental disorders) to meet the needs of the client and to provide integration and continuity across the care continuum.

Works collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team-based model of care and promotes rapid engagement in the provision of consistent, relevant and timely delivery of client and family-centered care. With an emphasis on recovery and rehabilitation, reducing barriers to enter the system of care, and promoting a culturally-safe and responsive, trauma-informed approach, establishes a welcoming therapeutic environment and promotes client self-determination and independence.

Responsibilities Coordinates care for clients by collaborating with interprofessional care team, performing intake functions, conducting mental health assessments, developing, implementing, maintaining and adjusting comprehensive treatment plans based on client needs and best practices, administering prescribed medications, and monitoring and assessing clients' mental state, response to medications and efficacy of treatment plan to ensure optimum use of resources and to facilitate client centred care.

Plans and provides direct nursing care to clients in compliance with standards of practice by performing activities such as reviewing client/family history, conducting physical/psychosocial assessments, assessing vital signs, developing a care plan specific for the client and collaborating with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan, and implements other treatment modalities as required such as ADLs, wound care and administering of medications.

The nurse works from a strengths-based model, using motivational interviewing and engagement techniques and works collaboratively with clients and professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans and assists clients to access appropriate services in the community. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect with client and their informal support network by engaging stakeholders in treatment planning and evaluation, providing support and follow-up planning, promoting and supporting clients to manage self care, encouraging informed decision making and empowering the client to improve the clients' quality of life.

Teaches client and their family about management and treatment of specific psychiatric conditions, concurrent substance use issues, their symptoms and integration of illness into their lifestyle. Provides treatment services including crisis intervention, individual counselling and education according to a variety of theoretical models to clients and their informal support network as required by methods such as assessing situation, eliciting concerns, exploring emotional response to illness, identifying goals and expectations, reviewing client and family learning needs, assisting with understanding of illness, teaching coping strategies, and consulting with colleagues when required.

Initiates and participates in case conferences/meetings with clients, family, service providers and members of the interprofessional team for identification of client mental health issues, concerns regarding services and coordination, emergent issues, and discussion of on-going follow-up care to ensure a coordinated approach to treatment. Acts as client advocate to protect and promote clients' right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information.

Consults and collaborates with members of the interprofessional care team including MH&SUS Physicians, Primary Care Providers (GP/NP), Team Coordinator, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals/providers in the identification and resolution of issues, adjustments to care plans as required, and in regard to changes in client condition. Monitors Extended Leave as required under the Mental Health Act by methods such as reviewing conditions of Extended Leave, determining if client is following the conditions and tracking renewal of certification due dates to ensure continuity of appropriate treatment.

Aids client access to services such as medical appointments, hospitals, and social programs by methods such as providing healthcare information, contacting relevant programs/services, and assisting clients with processing forms, transportation issues, and daily living tasks. Documents assessments, care plan, observations, interventions, client/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to…