Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN), Older Adult MHSU

Vancouver Coastal Health • Vancouver, BC

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking an Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN) to work at Cambie Older Adult Mental Health in Vancouver, BC. This position involves working with older adults experiencing dementia, major psychiatric disorders, concurrent disorders, and/or age-related problems. These individuals may be at risk due to psychiatric symptoms, complex medical/social factors, or significant caregiver stress. The role includes performing psychogeriatric assessments, crisis intervention, case coordination, treatment planning, consultation/liaison, facilitating individual/group sessions, individual counseling, and providing education and support to promote integration and continuity of care. The nurse will consult with general practitioners, caregivers, and family members, and collaborate with staff in continuing and residential care facilities, as well as hospitals. Responsibilities also include coordinating community resources, providing educational programs, and establishing/maintaining relationships with clients, families, and colleagues to deliver appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client needs. The nurse will share knowledge and expertise with colleagues through consultations, in-services, and presentations, acting as a clinical resource for other healthcare providers. Direct care and outreach services may be provided. Practice will adhere to a client and family-centered care model and the standards of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), as well as VCH policies and guidelines.

Requirements

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Three (3) year’s recent related experience working in geriatric mental health and addictions or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid B.C. Driver’s License and use of a vehicle are required.
• Knowledge of gerontology and geriatric psychiatry and nursing standards of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association and current practices in Older Adult Mental Health and Addiction.
• Knowledge of concurrent disorders.
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment of psychiatric clients including geriatric psychopathology of depression, delusions, delirium, dementia as well as principles of management of personality disorders.
• Knowledge of issues associated with aging, chronic illness and psychosocial factors such as caregiver issues, family dynamics and communication patterns.
• Knowledge of detoxification/withdrawal management, abstinence/harm reduction models of service for geriatric patients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and psychiatric services/community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to provide counseling, psycho-education and consultation services.
• Knowledge of the roles of both hospital and community geriatric services in client care and the ability to act as liaison between services.
• Knowledge of theories and systems of family dynamics and end-of-life issues.
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client, including abuse and neglect legislation.
• Knowledge of basic research, e.g. research ethics, research question, hypothesis and qualitative and quantitative data analyses methods.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of equipment and in the techniques appropriate to nursing treatment.
• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Perform psychogeriatric assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Coordinate cases and develop treatment plans.
• Offer consultation and liaison services.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate individual and group sessions.
• Provide individual counseling.
• Offer education and support to promote integration and continuity of care.
• Consult with general practitioners, caregivers, and family members.
• Collaborate with staff in continuing and residential care facilities and hospitals.
• Coordinate community resources.
• Provide educational programs as required.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, families, and colleagues.
• Provide appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client need.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues via consultations, in-services, and presentations.
• Act as a clinical resource for nurses and other healthcare providers.
• Provide direct care and outreach services.
• Practice within the context of a client and family-centered care model.
• Adhere to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics.
• Practice within the scope of practice as set by the organization, VCH policies, and clinical practice documents.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and prioritize work.
• Employ effective conflict resolution and reconciliation approaches and techniques.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff, patients, clients, and families.
• Perform relevant assessments using validated tools.
• Formulate a holistic care plan including holistic, physical, behavioral, social, and emotional factors.
• Develop rapport, trust, and ethical relationships with clients/families, family care providers, and other health care professionals and providers.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physicians, and other health care staff.
• Work independently and in a consultative/collaborative manner as a team member, leader, and facilitator.
• Promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy, and social justice concerns.
• Apply knowledge of theory and practice to case management.
• Adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Perform CPR techniques.
• Use equipment and techniques appropriate to nursing treatment.
• Operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Demonstrate physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services
• Award-winning recognition programs
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed