Overview
RN / RPN, Mental Health Emergency, works collaboratively as part of an interprofessional team and within an evidence-based, trauma- and resiliency-informed practice. The role supports all aspects of therapeutic care for patients with behavioral, emotional and mental health presentations, including physical and mental health assessments, prescribed treatments, and medications in consultation with physicians and consultants.
Acts as an educational resource for Emergency Department staff and aligns with Fraser Health policies, procedures, standards of practice, and the philosophy of Fraser Health.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct health care services to patients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of mental health presentations.
- Perform physical, psychosocial and mental health assessments; collaborate with physicians and allied health as required; administer prescribed treatments and medications according to policy.
- Observe, monitor, evaluate, and document patient progress, symptoms and behavioral changes.
- Perform a variety of health care interventions using nursing skills and medical equipment, including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities.
- Assess patient needs in collaboration with the emergency team during intake to determine patient disposition.
- Develop care and treatment plans with final dispositions authorized by the ED physician and/or consulting psychiatrist.
- Provide general and crisis counseling to patients and their families, including brief crisis intervention, referrals to community resources, or emergency department social workers.
- Initiate and facilitate discharge planning and referrals; support admission and transfer to inpatient units by coordinating with receiving units and sharing outcome information.
- Work with team members to develop educational resources for patients and families.
- Act as a nursing resource to resolve problems related to patient care and develop individual care plans with nursing, medical staff and other related disciplines in mental health, emergency and inpatient settings.
- Recommend and implement changes to individual plans as necessary; maintain and document patient records accurately.
- Complete discharge summaries at time of discharge for physician review when appropriate.
- Promote teamwork across disciplines in mental health, emergency, and inpatient units.
- Participate in nursing research and ongoing education to maintain high knowledge in mental health.
- Contribute to quality management, risk management, and policy development related to nursing practice within the designated program.
Qualifications
- Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
- One year recent related experience with patients and families in mental health or inpatient settings, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of emergency triage procedures, mental health assessment, substance use, psychopharmacology, general counseling principles and interview techniques, crisis theory, trauma-informed care, abnormal psychology, de-escalation techniques, and knowledge of community resources.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to make decisions independently and in consultation within a clinical setting.
- Ability to relate effectively to psychotic and crisis-prone patients and their families; participate as a multidisciplinary care team member; demonstrate leadership and organizational skills; teach; operate related equipment; and perform physical duties of the position.