Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Nurse (RN/RPN) - (215301)

Island Health; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization seeks a Mental Health & Addictions Nurse to provide essential psychiatric services. This role involves offering support in community environments, collaborating with clients and families to implement rehabilitation programs, and ensuring high standards of care. Ideal candidates are registered nurses with psychiatric experience who are effective communicators and team players.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of recent psychiatric nursing experience.
• Experience supporting mental health clients in a community setting.
• Knowledge of community mental health and addictions programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide core mental health and addictions services including assessment and treatment.
• Develop and implement clinical services and rehabilitation programs.
• Work independently in community settings.

Skills

Communication

Crisis Intervention

Leadership

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Graduation from a recognized nursing program

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives

Current CPR certification

Job description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a shared responsibility. Continuous improvement of quality and safety is inherent in this position.

Under the general direction of the team leader or designate, serves as a Mental Health & Addictions Nurse in a multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment or intensive outreach team. Services are primarily provided in community settings, but may also occur in facility settings as required. Provides core mental health and addictions services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for clients in partnership with clients, families, and community health care resources. Develops, plans, implements, and maintains a full range of clinical services and client-centered rehabilitation programs based on an identified client rehabilitation plan.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training And Experience

Graduation from a recognized nursing program plus a minimum of one year's recent psychiatric nursing experience with adults with a variety of mental disorders. A minimum of six months of experience supporting mental health clients in a community setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN. Current CPR certification required.

Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) model; assessment, treatment, and case management methodologies; learning theories of mental disorder and intervention strategies. Knowledge of relevant mental health and addictions legislation, including legal statutory boundaries governing consumer rights. Knowledge of community mental health and addictions programs, services, resources, and promotion. Knowledge of other health disciplines (including primary care physicians) and their roles in client care.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated ability to use the nursing process in mental health treatment programs, including assessment (physical, mental/physiological/functional, and environmental), planning, implementation, decision-making, organization, prioritization, evaluation, and communication;
• Ability to administer and monitor side effects of psychotropic medications;
• Ability to work independently in a community setting;
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment;
• Demonstrated initiative, good interpersonal, crisis intervention, leadership, and teaching skills, along with effective communication and counseling with individuals, families, and groups; critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to manage aggressive behavior and utilize non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques where appropriate;
• Ability to adapt to and accept change as the program evolves;
• Physical ability to perform job duties;
• Ability to operate related equipment and applicable computer systems;
• Valid Class 5 BC driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for travel between work sites. Travel is a requirement, and transportation arrangements must meet operational needs.

  For more details, see the full job description at https://jd.viha.ca/JD1120.pdf.