RN/RPN Liaison, Psychiatry/substance Use

1. Receives referrals through the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and a variety of internal and external sources, including inpatient medical and surgical units, as well as Emergency Department, Pediatric Emergency Department and ED Zone 5 for substance use concerns.
2. Performs comprehensive, clinical psycho-social-bio spiritual assessments of patients in inpatient units or the ED/ED Zone 5 with regard to substance use disorders; collects information related to patients' primary support group, social environment, occupation, education, housing, finance, health service access, and legal problems.
3. In accordance with approved treatment plans develops care plans and provides general counselling /and crisis intervention to patients and their families.
4. Evaluates the psychiatric or substance use nursing care needs of patients and identifies preventative, therapeutic, and rehabilitative aspects of care. In consultation with the interprofessional team, patient, and family members, modifies individualized care plans with a focus on treatment and risk management priorities. Carries out selected treatments and procedures as prescribed by physicians and nursing orders, within the RN or RPN regulatory scope of practice, and in accordance with the policies and clinical guidelines of Fraser Health and hospital policy and procedures.
5. Advocates with and on behalf of the patient with other agencies, services and service providers in order to support access of appropriate community resources.
6. Liaises and supports the Psychiatric Consult Liaison Program, In-Patient Psychiatry, and Addictions Medicine program by providing individual and group counselling, and organizing and participating in interprofessional case conferences as required; explains plan of care to patients, families, and their supports.
7. Promotes a therapeutic relationship with the patient by demonstrating cultural and spiritual sensitivity, empathy, trust and respect; advocates for the patient's rights to privacy, dignity and access to information and by ensuring the patient's choice and autonomy in decision making and care planning.
8. Documents assessments, care plan, observations, responses of patients and families, clinical outcomes and evaluation, and referrals according to the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) practice standards and Fraser Health procedures. Completes and maintains electronic Psychiatric/Substance Use Liaison Contact Sheets before the end of each shift or within the designated and hours of work.
9. Communicates and liaises with other health professionals, programs, and services to supports the patient flow of admitted patients being transferred to inpatient units in a timely manner including by referring patients to rehabilitation and other adjunctive services including the acute care site as appropriate by communicating and liaising with other health professionals/programs/services.
10. Facilitates the transfer of care of medically-stabilized patients who require psychiatric care from medical and surgical inpatient units to the MH&SUS In-Patient program by conducting a needs assessment as appropriate.
11. Assists in discharge planning by liaising with departments, professionals and community service providers and facilitating referrals and transition to aftercare by following transition of care processes including provision of discharge plans.
12. Acts as a role model for nurses by providing collegial sharing of information and by demonstrating MH&SUS best practice skills in the designated clinical area to direct care staff. Assists in care planning through communication and sharing knowledge and information with Coordinators and other team members on client care issues, resources and discharge planning process.
13. Provides input to the Managers regarding policies, procedures, clinical models of care, protocols and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions that address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.
14. Participates in the orientation of nursing staff and students and ongoing sharing of MH&SUS practice by providing information and acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate.
15. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures.
16. Participates in quality improvement activities and research by identifying patient care issues and collecting data. Participates in research and special projects by collaborating with members of the interprofessional team, provides input to practice, case conferences, clinical issues and quality improvement initiatives. May participate in other local committees as required.
17. Identifies self-learning needs and goals, reviews these with the Manager or designate, and engages in a variety of activities and educational programs to maintain and enhance clinical competency.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Two (2) years recent related clinical experience in an acute or community Mental Health & Substance Use setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Applied skills in patient assessment and technical, therapeutic, safety interventions including crisis intervention.
• Applied knowledge of mental illness and substance use treatment including best practices.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology, indications and side-effects.
• Applied knowledge of trauma informed Practice, person-centered care, and recovery-centered clinical systems.
• Individual and group 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 patients, families, care givers and other supports, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy for patients, families, care givers and other supports, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide education to patients, families and care givers about topics essential to their health care and well-being.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully with members of the interprofessional care team.
• Ability to apply research-based evidence/evidence-informed practice to support nursing decisions and actions.
• Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.

People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 48,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers.

We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner.

Together, we are the heart of health care.

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