Job Description

:

RVH's Residential Withdrawal Management Services is a 18-bed inpatient program located offsite from the main RVH campus. The RPN position will work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that includes the program Nurse Practitioner (NP), to ensure patients are provided with safe, effective and ethical nursing care in an effort to best support patient's recovery goals.


As the Part-Time Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) you are a professional caregiver who is responsible and accountable for providing quality patient care in accordance with the organizational philosophy, policies and standards of care of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the College of Nurses (CNO), and all relevant legislation.


Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:


Conducting in-person and telephone screening of clients prior to admission Completion of comprehensive client admissions Monitoring of clinical condition, withdrawal symptoms, administration of personal medications and effective documentation of client care Completion of diagnostic tests and related assessments including Mental Status Exams, Urine Drug Screening, HCG testing, CIWA and COWS scales Providing health teaching to individuals and in group settings Utilizing crisis intervention techniques as required Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of patient care and the completion of referrals to community partners, primary care providers and appropriate treatment settings for continuing care Completion of appropriate documentation as required Complete patient assessments and brief counselling in the Emergency Department or other departments of the organization as required to support patient care Completing duties related to client needs, including meal preparation and assisting with laundry Other duties as assigned

Education:


Registered Practical Nursing Diploma Certification in Mental Health Nursing preferred Non-violent Crisis Intervention an asset Physical assessment certificate an asset Strong, working knowledge in addictions and the management of withdrawal symptoms required

Experience:


A minimum of three years' experience in mental health and addiction (inpatient acute/tertiary) preferred Knowledge in Brief Solution Focused Therapy and the Recovery Model of care is considered an asset Skills in crisis de-escalation Ability to facilitate health teaching with individuals and in a group setting

Competencies:


Demonstrated skills in leadership and change Exceptional written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills Knowledge of major psychiatric disorders and substance related/addictive disorders Ability to work in a harm reduction context; solid understanding of addictions including alcohol and opioid use disorders Working knowledge of diagnostic tests and tools used in the Mental Health and Addiction field, including therapeutic drug levels, Mental Status Exams, Urine Drug Screening and the use of CIWA and COWS scales. Sound assessment skills with regard to physical assessment, mental status assessment etc. Systems theory as it relates to family dynamics and addiction Knowledge of pharmacology in the treatment of major psychiatric disorders, alcohol use disorder, opiate use disorder and the management of withdrawal symptoms Strong problem solving skills and efficient time management skills Ability to make decisions regarding patient care both independently and as a part of an interprofessional team Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act Sound documentation skills and awareness of legalities related to documentation Strong commitment to ongoing education and professional development and a willingness to participate in continuing education related to Addictions and Mental Health Experience in acting in a preceptor role Ability to work collaboratively to develop appropriate discharge planning and a strong working knowledge of community resources Demonstrated knowledge of CNO Standards of Practice and commitment to maintaining reflective practice standards as described by CNO, with the ability to function independently within the one's scope of practice Computer literacy in current software applications Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities * Knowledge and skills in a range of therapeutic approaches, including brief therapies, motivational interviewing, general understanding of cognitive behavioural therapy with individuals and groups, stages of change as it relates to substance addiction