MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (1915)

DESCRIPTION
Person responsible for nursing care and professional medical activities for users in a specialty area dealing with complex health problems, in accordance with current legislation. Collaborates with the attending physician to identify health problems and establish care and treatment priorities. Contributes to the follow-up of previously diagnosed users, in close collaboration with the attending physician.

Provides clinical support to nurses and other professionals. Contributes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs related to their specialty. Participates in the development and implementation of teaching programs for users, their families, and groups of people. Participates in the development and evaluation of medical and nursing care rules and collaborates in the development of training programs for nursing staff. Conducts or collaborates in nursing research and collaborates in clinical medical research.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
A licensed health professional authorized to practice autonomously within their clinical specialty, the Specialized Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health (NP-MH) ensures the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with mental health issues in accordance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework.

Under the authority of the Clinical Nursing Advisor and the Director of Nursing, they will contribute to the accessibility and continuity of mental health care in close collaboration with psychiatrists, mental health nurses, and various psychosocial workers in the pole. The role includes a hospital component — notably the initial clinical assessment of patients admitted in psychiatric emergency at the Chisasibi hospital — as well as a community component that will develop gradually (consultations, follow-ups, clinical monitoring and lab/examination follow-up in support of psychiatrists and teams).

The position is based in the community of Chisasibi. Travel to communities within the pole will be required based on identified needs and the evolution of the service. The NP-MH must demonstrate resourcefulness, proactivity, and the ability to collaborate interdisciplinarily. They must also adapt their interventions to the cultural, social, and contextual realities of Cree communities, using a respectful, safe, and person-centred approach.

• Conduct initial clinical assessments (mental status examination, risk appraisal, orientation) of patients admitted in psychiatric emergency at the Chisasibi hospital in collaboration with the psychiatry team;
• Provide advanced mental health nursing care: clinical monitoring, progress follow-up, complication prevention, and adjustments along the care trajectory (Assignment of a specific caseload is to be discussed);
• Participate in establishing the treatment plan (pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological interventions) and in clinical follow-up, in collaboration with psychiatrists and the interdisciplinary team;
• Contribute to the follow-up of required tests (including laboratory work) and to the coordination of care, in accordance with established protocols and service pathways;
• Provide psychoeducation and support to clients and their families: understanding of the disorder, treatment, side effects, adherence, and self-management strategies;
• Work in partnership with medical, psychosocial, and community services to ensure safe, continuous, and contextually appropriate care;
• Contribute to the development of care pathways and continuous quality improvement (e.g., clinical tools, practice harmonization, indicators);
• Participate in knowledge transfer: clinical training for teams, supervision/teaching (including NP/NP-MH students when applicable);
• Maintain up-to-date competencies through continuing education; contribute, when relevant, to evaluation, innovation, or research projects related to practice.

REQUIREMENTS
Education:
• Hold a master's degree in nursing;
• Hold a specialist certificate in Mental health or a right to practice as a Mental Health NP candidate and commit to obtaining the certificate within the timeframe prescribed by regulation;
• Member in good standing of the Ordre des infirmiers et infirmières du Québec (OIIQ).

Experience:
• One year of experience in the specialty field; an asset
• Experience in northern regions or in a First Nations community is an asset;
• Psychotherapy training (an asset).

Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge and experience of approaches, methods, and issues related to public and community health prevention and promotion (and in First Nations contexts) is an asset;
• Teaching skills;
• Knowledge of Cree culture and social/health issues in Eeyou Istchee is an asset;
• Knowledge of Eenou/Eeyou Pimaatsiiun healing practices and paradigms is an asset;
• Demonstrate interpersonal, leadership, and teamwork skills;
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, and decision-making skills;
• Show independence, flexibility, and empathy.

Language:
• Proficiency in English;
• Proficiency in Cree or French is an asset.

Other:
• Available to travel inside the Eeyou Istchee territory as required.

COME AND EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE HUMAN, PROFESSIONAL, AND CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE
• Innovative and unique care model in Quebec;
• Support, mentorship, and preceptorship program in collaboration with other institutions to support the start of practice and help maintain nurse practitioner (NP) expertise;
• A practice environment that allows you to get to know your patients and build relationships with the community;
• Full application of your training that values your clinical judgment;
• Isolation and retention premiums when travelling in the communities.