MHSU Consultation Nurse (RN/RPN) - (222488)

Island Health; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A health authority in Victoria, Nova Scotia is seeking a registered nurse specialized in Mental Health & Addictions. The role involves providing patient care, assessments, and education, alongside developing and evaluating programs. Candidates must have 3+ years of experience and a nursing qualification from a recognized program. Strong leadership, communication, and crisis intervention skills are necessary for effective team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Current RN registrant with BC College of Nurses and Midwives.
• Minimum of three years of experience in Mental Health & Addictions.
• Knowledge of outpatient/community mental health services.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and education to healthcare team members.
• Participate in program development and evaluation.
• Conduct patient assessments and provide direct care.

Skills

Leadership skills

Ability to conduct psychiatric assessments

Crisis intervention skills

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Graduation from a recognized nursing program

CNA certification in relevant specialty

Job description

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

Reporting to the Program Manager or designate, utilizes knowledge and clinical expertise in the assigned clinical area. Functions as a clinical resource, providing consultation as well as formal and informal education to nurses, physicians, other program teams, community nurses, and other health care team staff regarding the care and treatment of patients/clients/residents within the specialty area. Participates in developing, implementing and evaluating programs/services in accordance with the Vision and Mission statements of Island Health. Leads staff and assigns work as required. Responsible for patient assessment and education. Provides direct patient care, collaboration, and consultation to develop capacity to care for the patient in place.

Qualifications

Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Graduation from a recognized nursing program, with Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification for specialty and/or service area as asset;

Minimum of three years of recent related experience in Mental Health & Addictions and a working knowledge of mental health and addiction outpatient/community services/programs or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Competencies as outlined in Canadian Standards of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Practice (4th Edition).

Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to plan, organize and evaluate patient care such as being able to conduct an age appropriate psychiatric assessment, including risk to self/others and mental status.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure, in high-acuity situations.
• Ability to apply de-escalation skills with hostile/aggressive clients.
• Demonstrated experience in suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
• Working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis and related treatments, the Infants Act, Mental Health Act, and the Child, Family and Community Service Act.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the current theories, technologies and practices in the specialty area including geriatric assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the principles of adult learning.
• Ability to assess learning needs of people throughout the life cycle.
• Ability to apply the principles of adult learning in individual and group settings.
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of internal and external contacts including co-workers, physicians, community agencies, representatives, patients/clients/residents and families.