Mental Health/Learning Disability Nurse
Duties and Responsibilities The Unit provides assessment and treatment to people with a Learning Disability and / or Autistic People who have a Mental Health condition and/or demonstrate distress through their behaviour. The role exists to provide the Learning Disability and Autism Inpatient unit with a Registered Nurse who has the professional knowledge and skills to ensure safe and high quality care.
The Registered Nurse will use the framework of Positive Behavioural Support to provide assessment, interventions and evaluation for health & wellbeing needs The Registered Nurse may also be responsible for the leadership and management of the inpatient unit over a span of duty.
The Registered Nurse will assist in the management and clinical supervision of the junior team including staff well-being and manage the unit in the absence of the Service Manager and senior staff nurses. The Registered Nurse will work a 24 hour flexible rota.
Work within NICE and NMC Guidelines and Standards, to be aware of and work within all relevant Trust Policies and Procedures. To work in line with agreed safeguarding protocols at all times. To be a proactive, skilled member of the ward Multi-Disciplinary team.
To demonstrate a working knowledge of the legal requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983 (including 2007 updates), Mental Capacity Act 2005 (to include Deprivation of Liberty safeguards) and Care Act (2014). Communication & Working Relationships Ensure clinical records are accurate, timely, and complete.
Communicate difficult and sensitive information that some people may find upsetting Communicate clinical information to people who use the service, their families and carers, and other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team Form positive working relationships with all professionals within the Multi-Disciplinary Team and with wider stakeholders.
Maintaining contact with family and carers. Information gathering and sharing with community staff, social workers and other relevant stakeholders Accurately record findings of assessments, therapeutic interventions, care plans, risk assessments and information that meet the needs of the target audience.
Compiling comprehensive discharge reports Provide training sessions with new service providers to enhance understanding of the patient and their needs. Communicate effectively with patients that have complex communication difficulties and behavioural distress.
Form and maintain therapeutic relationships with all patients, their families and carers. Ensure all communication meets National and Local Information Governance Guidance and Policies; including Confidentiality Guidance & Policies. Planning & Organisation Ensure all your own Training requirements are up-to-date Check the staff rota ensuring correct skill mix, gender mix, safe numbers on shift, ensuring that all staff on shift work the correct hours and record any variation on staff hours.
Actively participate in all relevant meetings. When requested, organise and invite relevant professionals and others from the patients circle of support to attend meetings Undertake clinical leadership during a span of duty, allocating duties to other ward staff - organising assessments, therapeutic and clinical activities that adhere to plans of care, risk assessments, local and DPT policies.Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy Carry out pre-admission assessments in a variety of settings Ensure admissions are carried out in line with DPT and local policies and procedures To act as Named Nurse. Undertake assessment of need and risk and develop Positive Behaviour Support Plans, person centred care plans and other plans of care to meet health and wellbeing needs and manage the risks.
Develop, evaluate and review Positive Behaviour Support Plans, care plans and risk management plans to ensure plans are safe, effective and person centred Involve the patients and as necessary families, carers and other professionals in assessing needs and developing plans Ensure assessments, interventions and plans are developed with other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team Ensure assessments and interventions are based on current evidence and good practice Review current and future interventions as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Ensure accurate clinical observations are available to other members of the multi-disciplinary team as required. To make referrals to other professionals as part of patient assessment, treatment or therapy. Ensure that all care and treatment complies with relevant legislation and upholds the rights of the individual including the Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards To advise on the promotion of patient health and well-being needs (both physical and mental health needs) Adjust levels of support to safely and effectively manage risk and deliver high quality person centred care to individuals undertaking care, treatment and activities within and outside the unit Ensure that all Infection Control and cleanliness standards and measures are acted upon in line with National, DPT and local guidance.
Administer medication in line with professional standards, DPT Policies and Standard Operating Procedures and protocols. Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility To be aware of national and professional developments. To participate in ongoing training and education (including Continuous Professional Development).To demonstrate evidence based practice and participate in research/audit/pilot projects. To be aware of current initiatives in inpatient care. To promote service changes with positive professional attitude and fully engage in service changes. Act as a Link Practitioner to ensure specific areas of practice adhere to standards of quality and safety.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To ensure Trust policies and procedures are followed in relation to the handling of monies, property etc. belonging to people using the service To demonstrate effective risk management skills Use Trust resources in a sustainable, cost effective and appropriate way Ensure the maintenance and safe use of equipment and the general environment Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management To demonstrate and develop effective leadership/management skills.
To provide Supervision and Career Conversations to appropriate/allocated staff. To participate in the role of Practice Supervisor / Assessor for students. To participate in the role of Preceptor to newly qualified staff (where appropriate) Information Resources & Administrative Duties Ensure that daily administrative tasks are completed including, reporting any repair /maintenance issues.Ensure all DPT, local and national guidance for record keeping, monitoring forms and checklists are completed during a span of duty To participate in formulating and providing reports for other professionals as required. Any Other Specific Tasks Required Willingness to be added to Unit vehicles insurance to help facilitate Community Leave for patients would be welcomed.
To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the unit. To take on responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager. The post holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post and demonstrate they have completed the level of general training and personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this training up-to-date.
If the ability to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Conflict Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical fitness to undertake such a role. The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within their job role Act within competency.