Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN), Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU)

Vancouver Coastal Health • Vancouver, BC

4d • CA$49 - CA$63 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position works with older adults who are experiencing dementia or have major psychiatric disorders, concurrent disorders and/or problems normally associated with aging and are at risk due to a combination of psychiatric symptoms, complex medical/social factors or significant caregiver stress. Duties include psychogeriatric assessments, crisis intervention, case coordination, treatment planning, consultation/liaison, facilitating/co-facilitating individual/group sessions, individual counseling and education and support to promote integration and continuity across the care continuum. Consults with general practitioners, caregivers and family members and works with staff in continuing and residential care as well as hospitals as appropriate. Coordinates community resources and provides educational programs as required. Establishes and maintains relationships with, and consults with, clients, their families and colleagues to provide appropriate treatment services based on best practices and client need. Shares knowledge and expertise with colleagues via consultations, in-services and presentations. Acts as a clinical resource for nurses and other health care providers in the hospital and community. May provide direct care as well as outreach services. Practices within the context of a client and family centered care model, and in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence. This practice is aligned with the vision, mission, goals and values of the organization as well as with the concept of the resident/client and family centered care model.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum Nurse to Patient Ratios (mNPRs) are being implemented provincially to enhance nursing practice and strengthen quality of care.

Responsibilities

• Perform psychogeriatric assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Coordinate cases.
• Develop treatment plans.
• Provide consultation/liaison services.
• Facilitate/co-facilitate individual/group sessions.
• Provide individual counseling.
• Offer education and support to promote integration and continuity across the care continuum.
• Consult with general practitioners, caregivers, and family members.
• Work with staff in continuing and residential care, as well as hospitals.
• Coordinate community resources.
• Provide educational programs as required.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, their families, and colleagues.
• Consult with clients, their families, and colleagues to 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 health care providers in the hospital and community.
• Provide direct care as well as outreach services.
• Practice within the context of a client and family centered care model.
• Practice in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and Code of Ethics for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
• Practice within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence.
• Align practice with the vision, mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Employ 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.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials for staff/patients/clients and families based on education theories, principles, and best practices.
• Plan, organize, schedule, and prioritize work.
• 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, both one-on-one and in groups.
• Work independently and in a consultative/collaborative manner as a team member, leader, and facilitator.
• Adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Employ effective conflict resolution and reconciliation approaches and techniques.
• Demonstrate skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrate skill in the use of equipment and in the 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 are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior