JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Working collaboratively as part of an inter-professional team and within an evidence based Trauma Informed model of care, the General Duty Nurse, BC Children’s Mental Health supports all aspects of therapeutic care of patients with behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric presentations and their families/caregivers. Provides and coordinates nursing care services such as patient assessment, patient and family teaching, and health promotion activities for mental health patients and their families, consistent with established policies, standards of practice and philosophy of the BC Children’s Mental Health Program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• One (1) year of recent related clinical experience working within a child and/or youth mental health setting relevant to the service area within the BC Children’s Mental Health Program or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral, social, emotional and mental health/psychiatric problems in children and youth; subspecialties areas such as Eating Disorders, Neuropsychiatry, etc.
• Broad knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice including collaborative problem solving.
• Knowledge of child and youth developmental theory.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to children/adolescents and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of multidisciplinary care team, work independently, and function as a nursing resource.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve, and deal with conflict.
• Ability to demonstrate effective CPR techniques.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

1. Maintains patient records by performing activities such as collecting and documenting information including health care information regarding patients and their families, nursing observations, telephone communications, interventions, teaching and care evaluations to ensure that patient records are current and complete.
2. Plans direct care for the patient by performing activities such as reviewing patient/family history, developing a care plan specific for the patient and family, and meeting with other members of the health care team to discuss and review the care plan.
3. Provides direct patient care and support, including physical, psychiatric and meal support, to patients in accordance with operational policy and standards specific to the service area. Collaborates with other members of the health care team to evaluate patient care..
4. Teaches by providing and explaining information, demonstrating procedures and use of equipment, checking the learner’s use of procedures, techniques and equipment and evaluating the effectiveness of the selected teaching methods.
5. Identifies own learning needs, reviews these with the Program Director, or delegate, and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs.
6. Participates in the orientation and continuing education of staff and students by preceptoring and role-modelling.
7. Acts as a clinical resource/support person to patients and families and nursing and health care professionals by explaining the theoretical rationale for nursing decisions.
8. Participates as a member of the health care team through contributing information in rounds, committees, and staff meetings.
9. Provides input to the Program Director, or delegate, regarding policies, procedures and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions which address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.
10. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff by following established emergency procedures and safety practices and procedures.
11. Promotes the implementation and evaluation of nursing research and quality monitoring activities as directed by participating in nursing committees, and by keeping current through attendance at education and in-service opportunities.
12. Performs other professionally related duties as assigned.