Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services - Chilliwack

Fraser Health•Abbotsford, BC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Fraser Health is seeking a Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse for their Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services in Chilliwack. This role involves providing person-centered and recovery-oriented care to individuals with mental illness and concurrent disorders. The position emphasizes collaboration within an interdisciplinary team, rapid engagement, and a culturally-safe, trauma-informed approach to promote client self-determination and independence. The goal is to reduce barriers to care and empower individuals on their journey to recovery.

Requirements

Graduation from approved School of Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing.
Two (2) years recent related experience providing treatment services to individuals with mental health and/or concurrent disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.
Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use client assessment and provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention.
Knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment.
Knowledge of psychopharmacology (indications and side-effects).
Counselling and group facilitation skills.
Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to mental health and substance use practices.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, families/caregivers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.
Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for clients/families/caregivers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.
Ability to educate clients and families/caregivers about topics essential to their health care and well-being.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.
Ability to use factual information and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice.
Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

May require completion of substance use certificate program.
May require: eligible for completion of BC Provincial Opiate Addiction Treatment Support Program course and approved related preceptorship.

Responsibilities

Coordinates care for clients by collaborating with the interprofessional care team, performing intake functions, conducting mental health assessments, developing, implementing, maintaining, and adjusting comprehensive treatment plans based on client needs and best practices, administering prescribed medications, and monitoring and assessing clients' mental state, response to medications, and efficacy of treatment plan.
Plans and provides direct nursing care to clients in compliance with standards of practice by performing activities such as reviewing client/family history, conducting physical/psychosocial assessments, assessing vital signs, developing a care plan specific for the client, and collaborating with other members of the health care team.
Works from a strengths-based model, using motivational interviewing and engagement techniques to develop and implement individualized care plans and assists clients to access appropriate community services.
Establishes, maintains, and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect with clients and their informal support network by engaging stakeholders in treatment planning and evaluation, providing support and follow-up planning, promoting and supporting clients to manage self-care, encouraging informed decision making, and empowering the client.
Teaches clients and their families about the management and treatment of specific psychiatric conditions, concurrent substance use issues, their symptoms, and the integration of illness into their lifestyle.
Provides treatment services including crisis intervention, individual counselling, and education according to a variety of theoretical models.
Initiates and participates in case conferences/meetings with clients, family, service providers, and members of the interprofessional team for identification of client mental health issues, concerns regarding services and coordination, emergent issues, and discussion of on-going follow-up care.
Acts as a client advocate to protect and promote clients' rights to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information.
Consults and collaborates with members of the interprofessional care team including MH&SUS Physicians, Primary Care Providers (GP/NP), Team Coordinator, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals/providers.
Monitors Extended Leave as required under the Mental Health Act.
Aids client access to services such as medical appointments, hospitals, and social programs.
Documents assessments, care plan, observations, interventions, client/family responses, outcomes/evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.
Maintains a safe environment for clients, visitors, and employees by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures.
Identifies own learning needs/goals, reviews these with the Team Coordinator, and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs/goals.
Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying client care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures, or protocols.
May be required to plan, coordinate, and deliver educational sessions to clients and their family members, other service providers, and community agencies regarding Mental Health & Substance Use services.
May be required to facilitate group sessions utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioural, interpersonal, and supportive interventions.
May be required to provide outreach nursing care to clients in their home setting, primary care setting, or suitable alternative including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
May include working with residential facilities or community agencies/homes to conduct client assessments, facilitate placement, develop individualized care/service plans, monitor client progress, and ensure appropriate referrals and discharges.
As assigned: demonstrates and articulates the responsibility of the authorized RN/RPN prescriber to the interprofessional team and when interacting with the client. Identifies when client needs exceed RN/RPN scope of practice.
Performs other related duties as required.