Registered Nurse/registered Psychiatric Nurse (RN/RPN), Hospital Community Liaison (Integrated Transition of Care) - Abbotsford

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations.

Our team of 43,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Effective October 26, 2021 all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse provides recovery oriented services and ensures linkage between hospitals and community treatment and support services, provides crisis counselling, suicide prevention and treatment, and provides short term follow up as required to assist in reducing demand and bed utilization in hospitals and to provide more effective care and treatment for adults in the community.

1. Provides a linkage between acute care hospitals and community services, by performing duties such as participating in discharge planning rounds and case conferences to review cases that may require follow-up, following up with patients discharged from the hospital, and meeting with Mental Health case managers to discuss patients currently on caseload, as well as new referrals. Ensures clients being released on Extended Leave are linked with community physician and mental health case manager.
2. Assesses clients, and provides short-term crisis counselling and follow-up treatment, including suicide prevention and intervention, to clients and their families, to reduce demand and bed utilization in hospitals, and to provide care until patients are linked to appropriate community mental health resources. Uses a variety of interviewing, counselling, and assessment methods, in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Clients include those who require intensive, transitional care, including those at risk of hospitalization, those not suitable for admission, and patients treated for suicide threats and attempts.
3. Provides referrals, in accordance with established protocols, for mental health clients not requiring hospitalization, to appropriate community treatment alternatives and services, including residential programs, family therapy, marital and separation counselling, alcohol and drug treatment, victim assistance, employee assistance programs, and private therapy. Acts as a resource for patients, families, and other team members.
4. Maintains client records and statistics, prepares reports, and completes forms as required, in accordance with regional policies and standards, including clinical record standards of Mental Health Services. Obtains consent forms for release of client information.
5. Provides mental health community case work information and expertise by attending meetings and participating on committees as required.
6. Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying patient care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.
7. Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice.
8. Maintains current knowledge in Nursing practice in the mental health field, by methods such as reviewing literature in the assigned clinical specialty area, consulting with clinical and community experts within the field, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development activities in order to improve care through new practices.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

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

Two (2) years recent, related experience in a community or hospital psychiatric setting, or in a rapid response crisis stabilization function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.

Skills and Abilities

• 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/care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for clients/families/care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.
• Ability to educate clients and families/care givers 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.