RN/RPN, Electroconvulsive Therapy Treatment (ECT) Program - Royal Columbian Hospital

Fraser Health Authority; New Westminster; On-site; CAD 57,060 - 81,994; Full time

Job summary

Fraser Health Authority is seeking a dedicated nursing professional to provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). The role involves coordinating nursing assessments, treatment scheduling, and education for patients and their families.

The successful candidate will have an approved nursing registration in British Columbia and experience in psychiatry and ECT practices. Join our team to enhance patient care in a supportive environment!

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing.
• Two years recent experience in psychiatry and one year in ECT.

Responsibilities

• Participate in clinical assessment of ECT patients.
• Coordinate scheduling and booking of ECT treatments.
• Provide education regarding ECT treatment to patients and families.

Skills

Applied knowledge of MHSU client assessment

Knowledge of psychopharmacology

Effective communication skills

Collaboration with interprofessional teams

Education

Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse registration

Job description

Salary

CAD $41.42 - $59.52 / hour

Job Summary

Provide comprehensive nursing care and coordination for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) patients, including pre‑ and post‑assessment, scheduling, and care plan coordination. Work collaboratively with interprofessional teams and demonstrate nursing expertise and leadership in evidence‑based ECT practices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the clinical assessment of pre‑ and post‑ECT patients in accordance with current Standards of Professional Practice.
• Review new ECT referrals to ensure completeness and coordinate scheduling and booking of all ECT treatments.
• Facilitate ECT consultations, arrange pre‑ECT anesthesiology consults and other investigations, and ensure appropriate labs, x‑ray and ECG are completed.
• Liaise with case managers and psychiatrists of outpatients to obtain orders and consents for treatment as required.
• Verify transportation arrangements for inpatients to and from ECT treatments.
• Conduct assessments using standardized rating scales to evaluate symptom severity and cognitive status throughout the ECT course.
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding ECT treatment, patient experience and logistics.
• Complete pre‑ECT nursing checklists, ensuring all equipment, supplies, and documentation are ready.
• Assist with skin preparation for EEG and electrode sites and connect EEG leads to patient.
• Assist during ECT treatment sessions, providing direct or indirect nursing assistance.
• Manage post‑treatment difficulties such as delayed emergence, confusion or agitation and communicate to the ECT psychiatrist or attending physician.
• Report patient status and treatment outcomes when ready for transfer to inpatient, outpatient or other care teams.
• Participate in development of patient education materials and orientation activities for continuous improvement of ECT nursing expertise.
• Coordinate with clinical suppliers and Purchasing regarding orders and maintenance of ECT supplies.
• Maintain a safe environment for patients and staff by adhering to established safety and emergency practices.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement, research and program evaluation activities for the ECT program.
• Share information in a timely manner to support nursing and other healthcare staff in following ECT standards of care.
• Assist in maintaining program‑based clinical protocols, procedures, and required records for program reviews.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Two years recent, related experience in psychiatry and one year recent related experience in the use of ECT, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Applied knowledge of MHSU client assessment and appropriate therapeutic, safety and crisis interventions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental illness and substance use disorders and their treatments.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology indications and side‑effects.
• De‑escalation techniques and management of acute behavioural and psychiatric emergencies.
• Counselling and interview techniques.
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies related to mental health and substance use practices.
• Effective communication with clients, families, public, medical staff and interprofessional team.
• Promotion of person‑centered care and advocacy for special populations.
• Education of clients and families about ECT and essential health topics.
• Self‑directed and independent work.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Collaboration and promotion of cooperation among interprofessional team members.
• Application of research‑based evidence to support nursing decisions.
• Setup and operation of related equipment, including relevant computer applications.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.