CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse)

NHS Jobs; Newport; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) to work across two GP surgeries in Newport, South Wales. The post is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with the employer and salary band yet to be confirmed.

The successful candidate will assess and manage patients with acute and chronic mental health needs, work within a multidisciplinary team, and coordinate care with GPs and specialist services. Strong clinical judgment and safeguarding awareness are required.

Responsibilities

• Undertake face-to-face and telephone consultations with patients experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Assess and monitor clinical risk, including risks relating to self-harm, suicide, vulnerability and deterioration in mental state.
• Develop, implement and review individualised care plans in collaboration with patients, GPs and other relevant professionals.
• Manage an ongoing caseload, prioritising appointments and follow-up according to clinical need and risk.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and support for patients with chronic or enduring mental health conditions.
• Liaise with community mental health teams, psychiatrists, crisis services and other health and social care professionals.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential clinical records in accordance with professional and practice requirements.
• Identify and appropriately elevate safeguarding concerns in accordance with local procedures.

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) Location: Two GP surgeries in Newport, South Wales Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week Employer: GP practice group / partnership Reports to: To be confirmed by the employer Salary / Pay Band: To be confirmed

1. Job Purpose

To provide high-quality mental health assessment, clinical management and ongoing support for patients presenting with acute and chronic mental health difficulties across two GP surgeries in Newport. The post holder will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, exercising professional autonomy within their scope of practice and working closely with GPs to support safe, effective and coordinated patient care. The role will focus on assessing mental health needs, managing an ongoing caseload, identifying and responding to clinical risk, reviewing patients progress and facilitating access to appropriate specialist services when required.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Clinical assessment and management

Undertake face-to-face and telephone consultations with patients experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. Conduct appropriate mental state assessments and holistic assessments of patients mental health needs. Assess and monitor clinical risk, including risks relating to self-harm, suicide, vulnerability and deterioration in mental state. Develop, implement and review individualised care plans in collaboration with patients, GPs and other relevant professionals. Manage an ongoing caseload, prioritising appointments and follow-up according to clinical need and risk. Provide ongoing monitoring and support for patients with chronic or enduring mental health conditions. Recognise changes in presentation and respond appropriately to emerging or deteriorating mental health needs. Work within professional competence, relevant clinical guidance and agreed practice procedures.

2.2 Urgent mental health presentations and risk management

Assess patients presenting with urgent mental health concerns and determine appropriate next steps. Recognise situations requiring urgent medical review, specialist mental health assessment or emergency intervention. Escalate clinical concerns promptly to the appropriate GP, crisis service or emergency service. Liaise with relevant services to facilitate timely assessment and continuity of care. Document risk assessments, clinical decisions, safety planning and escalation arrangements accurately.

2.3 Working with GPs and the multidisciplinary team

Work closely with GPs across both surgeries to coordinate the care of patients with mental health needs. Discuss clinical assessments, complex presentations, changes in mental state, risk and management plans with GPs. Contribute to shared clinical decision-making and the development of appropriate treatment and follow-up plans. Undertake medication reviews within the post holders competence and agreed responsibilities, discussing recommendations and treatment considerations with GPs. Liaise with community mental health teams, psychiatrists, crisis services and other relevant health and social care professionals. Facilitate appropriate referrals and communication between primary care and specialist services. Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions and service development as appropriate.

2.4 Patient-centred care and communication

Establish therapeutic relationships with patients based on trust, respect and professional boundaries. Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients experiencing mental health difficulties. Involve patients in decisions about their care and promote recovery, independence and self-management where appropriate. Provide information about relevant services, treatment options and sources of support. Involve family members or carers where appropriate, with due regard to consent, confidentiality and safeguarding. Recognise the impact of social circumstances and wider health needs on mental wellbeing and coordinate support where appropriate.

2.5 Clinical documentation and information governance

Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and confidential clinical records in accordance with professional and practice requirements. Record assessments, care plans, clinical decisions, medication-related discussions and referrals appropriately. Use the practices clinical systems effectively and comply with information governance and data protection requirements. Communicate relevant clinical information to other professionals involved in patient care, in accordance with confidentiality requirements.

2.6 Safeguarding, clinical governance and professional development

Identify and appropriately elevate safeguarding concerns in accordance with local procedures. Practise in accordance with the NMC Code and other applicable professional standards. Maintain current professional registration and undertake continuing professional development. Participate in appropriate clinical supervision, reflective practice and professional support arrangements. Comply with relevant health and safety, infection prevention, confidentiality and clinical governance policies. Identify opportunities to improve the quality, safety and coordination of mental health care within the practices.

3. Organisation and Working Arrangements

The post holder will work across two GP surgeries in Newport as a member of the practices multidisciplinary teams. The role requires effective organisation, independent clinical working and close collaboration with GPs and other healthcare professionals. The post holder will be expected to manage competing demands, prioritise according to clinical urgency and communicate promptly when additional support or escalation is required. The division of working time between the two sites, clinic arrangements and any specific administrative or meeting commitments will be agreed with the employer.

4. Professional Accountability and Scope of Practice

The post holder will be professionally accountable for their own practice and must work within their competence, professional registration requirements and agreed responsibilities. Clinical decisions will be made in accordance with professional standards, relevant guidance and practice protocols. The post holder must seek advice or elevate concerns when a patients needs exceed their scope of practice or require additional clinical input. Medication-related responsibilities will be undertaken within the post holders competence and agreed arrangements, working collaboratively with GPs. Independent prescribing is not specified as a requirement of this post.

5. General

The post holder will comply with the policies and procedures of the employing organisation and maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and patient care. This job description outlines the principal responsibilities of the role and may be reviewed in consultation with the post holder as service requirements develop. Any additional duties must be appropriate to the post, the individuals competence and the needs of the service.