Older Adult Outreach Nurse (RN/RPN) - Mental Health
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 and ability to perform relevant assessments using validated tools.
- Demonstrated ability to formulate a holistic care plan including holistic, physical, behavioural, social and emotional factors.
- Demonstrated ability to develop rapport, trust and ethical relationships with clients/families, family care providers and other health care professionals and providers.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with clients and their families, colleagues, physician, and other health care staff, both one-on-one and in groups.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a consultative/collaborative manner as a team member, leader and facilitator.
- Demonstrated ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preference, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
- Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to client, including abuse and neglect legislation.
- Demonstrated ability adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict situations.
- Knowledge of basic research, e.g. research ethics, research question, hypothesis and qualitative and quantitative data analyses methods.
- Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Responsibilities
- Psychogeriatric assessments
- Crisis intervention
- Case coordination
- Treatment planning
- Consultation/liaison
- Facilitating/co-facilitating individual/group sessions
- Individual counseling
- Education and support to promote integration and continuity across the care continuum
- Consults with general practitioners, caregivers and family members
- Works with staff in continuing and residential care as well as hospitals
- Coordinates community resources
- Provides educational programs as required
- Establishes and maintains relationships with, and consults with, clients, their families and colleagues
- 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
- Practices within the scope of practice as set by the organization, as per VCH policies and guidelines/clinical practice documents and within own competence
- Applies knowledge of theory and practice to a case management
- Employs effective conflict resolution and reconciliation approaches and techniques
- Develops and delivers educational programs and materials for staff/patients/clients and families based on educations theories, principles and best practices
- Plans, organizes, schedules and prioritizes work
- Performs CPR techniques
- Uses equipment and techniques appropriate to nursing treatment
- Operates related equipment including relevant computer applications
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
