Psychiatric Emergency Care Nurse (RN/RPN)

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reports to the Coordinator or designate and functions as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver psychiatric emergency services, crisis intervention and stabilization care in accordance with the unit/program philosophy, competency guidelines and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards of Nursing Practice. The nurse is responsible for responding to crisis/emergency situations of patient/clients in the Psychiatric Emergency Services Unit, Using a crisis intervention model, the nurse will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment of the patient/client and an in-depth risk assessment. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the nurse will contribute to the patient care plan, referral and/or discharge plan in partnership with patient, caregiver/family and appropriate community services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. A minimum of two (2) years recent experience working with persons with acute mental illness and/or addiction, including working with multi-disciplinary teams, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Working knowledge of relevant legislation. Knowledge of the Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Current CPR Basic Rescuer certification.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to conduct assessments of physical status, mental status and risk assessment.
• Ability to apply addictions theory and management of withdrawal
• Ability to apply crisis intervention and stabilization principles
• Ability to apply common screening tools for mental illness and addictions
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability in establishing therapeutic relationships
• Demonstrated ability to organize assigned workload and set priorities
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a variety of internal and external contacts, including co-workers, physicians, community agency representatives, patient/clients, and families/ significant others
• Ability to operate related equipment including computers and related software
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position

Link to Full Job Description