Mental Health Nurse (RN/RPN) - (195242)

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Under the general direction of the Program Coordinator or designate, this individual serves as the Mental Health Nurse in a specialized rehabilitation care facility and in a bridging program. As part of a Multi-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Team, the Mental Health Nurse provides core mental health services including assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for clients in partnership with client, family and community health care resources. In response to an identified client rehabilitation plan, develops, plans, implements, and maintains a full range of clinical services and client centered rehabilitation programs. Contributes to monitoring and enhancement of the physical site.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training And Experience

A minimum of one year's recent psychiatric nursing experience with adults with a variety of mental disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Registration with BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN registrant or a practicing RPN registrant. Current CPR certification required.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate mental health treatment programs; to administer and monitor the side effects of psychotropic medications and to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Initiative, good interpersonal, crisis intervention, leadership and teaching skills and effective communication and counselling with individuals, families and groups.
• Ability to manage aggressive behaviour; to use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques where appropriate.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) model; assessment and treatment and case management methodologies; personality and learning theories of mental disorder, intervention strategies, long-term care and rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of relevant mental health and licensing legislation including legal statutory boundaries governing consumer rights.
• Travel is a requirement of this position and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the VIHA.
• Requires use of own automobile.