Community Mental Health Nurse

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Following an assessment of need by a senior nurse the post holder will be responsible for the implementation and evaluation of programmes of care under supervision.

Act as care coordinator as directed by and under supervision of a senior nurse.

Ensure that the nursing practices of the clinical area comply with the trusts policies and procedures.

Participate and assist in setting standards of service user care based on sound research findings.

To participate in the systematic monitoring and evaluation of service users that you have responsibility for with guidance from a supervisor.

Carry out nursing care based on the principles of individual care programmes/nursing process in accordance with specialist integrated care pathways.

Assist in the development and implementation of integrated care pathways including appropriate service user assessments and models of care.

Support the implementation and maintenance of team working.

Develop therapeutic relationships with service users and carers.

To have knowledge of the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act and other relevant legislation. To support services users and their carers when the Mental Health Act is being used to admit the service user to hospital. To ensure that service user rights under the Mental Health Act are effectively communicated to them and outcomes documented.

Participate in case supervision to monitor standards of service user care and documentation

Participate in regular supervision as per trust policy.

Participate in managerial supervision.

Ensure that the clinical environment is conducive to promote service users health, safety and wellbeing, thereby preserving and respecting each service users personal dignity, privacy, religious and cultural beliefs.

Incorporate health promotion and health education in to your practice.

Ensure record keeping is in accordance with trust and professional standards.

Ensure the safe management of medicines and adhere to safe practice and principle of administration in accordance to with the NMC code of professional conduct and trusts medicines code.

Work in a professional and collaborative manner with the multidisciplinary team.

Participate and promote positive intra agency working.

Participate and assist in setting standards if service user care based on sound research findings.

Managerial

Support the formulation and implementation of clinical and operational practices and procedures as appropriate.

Participate in the induction of new staff and students. Act as a mentor to junior nursing staff and students; including acting as a preceptor to newly qualified nursing staff.

Assist in the management and co-ordination of all services delivered to the service user within the care environment over the 24 hour period, optimising all available resources.

Support the implementation, monitoring and updating of an operational policy and philosophy for the clinical area.

Ensure the principles of clinical governance are incorporated in service delivery by maintaining a high quality service based on agreed clinical standards.

Ensure that service users are cared for within the confines of their respective mental health act status and adhere to the requirements of the MHA 1983 and the corresponding code of practice.

Ensure adherence to and implementation of effective care co-ordination within clinical area.

Adhere to trust policies and procedures.

Assist in the development of local protocols to ensure a high standard of service delivery is achieved and maintained.

Support the process of staff participation in the formulation of new ideas/suggestions to improve service user care and service delivery.

Ensure effective processes of communication are maintained within designated team.

Assist in the resolution of complaints and incidents at team level in accordance with trust policy.

Participate in serious and untoward incident investigations/ reviews as required.

Assist in the maintenance and updating of the teams equipment and service schedules, and ensure regular maintenance, repair and replacement as required adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH and Medical Devices Agency regulations.

Assist in leading and monitoring the performance and work of junior staff to ensure a comprehensive and consistent delivery or care is maintained.

Undertake delegated responsibilities as agreed with clinical team manager/senior nurse practitioner.

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPEMENT

Provide mentorship/preceptorship to newly qualified nursing staff, including students.

Organise and undertake teaching where appropriate.

Demonstrate the acquisition and application of knowledge in line with current research and evidence-based practice.

Take ownership of your own professional development.

Undertake training relevant to your role responsibilities and promote a positive learning environment.

Participate in the preceptorship and mentorship process.

Undertake Appraisals and personal development plans with non-professionally qualified staff.

Provide evidence to support development around the trust appraisal system which may include the KSF and other competency profiles.

Participate in regular supervision, engage in reflective practice and be committed to continued development.

Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.

RESEARCH AND AUDIT

Ensure staff awareness of clinical and corporate governance and the need for research-based practice.

Undertake and participate in appropriate audit, quality assurance programmes and research as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Appropriate professional qualification RMN
• Due to complete professional qualification (RMN) imminently

Desirable

• Degree
• Evidence of post registration study

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of working with people with a diagnosis of dementia
• A demonstrated understanding of Equality and Human Rights
• Safety, privacy and dignity guidelines
• Knowledge of the 6 C's of nursing

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team

Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively
• Possess good listening and negotiation skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team and develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues
• Be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge base regarding:
• Effective Care Co-ordination
• Care Planning and evaluation
• Quality and clinical audit
• Health & Safety/Risk Management, Mental Health Act
• Demonstrate a good knowledge of the Code of Conduct and the nurse's responsibility to identify gaps in their knowledge base
• Demonstrate knowledge in the concepts of mentorship, preceptorship and supervision
• Knowledge of Mental Capacity act
• Evidence based and reflective practice
• Vulnerable adults procedure and child protection
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to area
• Effective time and workload management
• Commitment to service development

Desirable

• Appreciate the process of standard setting and audit

Values

Essential

• Continuous improvement
• Accountability
• Respectfulness
• Enthusiasm
• High professional standards
• Responsive to service users and their families
• Engaging leadership style
• Strong customer service belief
• Transparency and honesty
• Discreet and able to demonstrate an awareness of the principles of confidentiality

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).