Emergency Psychiatric Liaison Nurse (EPLN) MHSU Emergency Zone - SMH

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 performs intake assessment, crisis intervention, and direct patient care to Psychiatric patients in the Emergency Department and/or MH&SUS zone in the Emergency Department, in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Provides input into and assists with ensuring effective patient flow for assessed and admitted psychiatric patients including those awaiting transfer for further assessment; assists with patient admission and transfer to ensure psychiatric services and bed destination is achieved in a timely manner. Within the context of a patient service culture, screens and assesses patients to develop care plans. Collaborates with Emergency Department Nurses, other emergency service providers, the interprofessional community mental health team and other community service providers and assists in adapting care plans to address psychiatric needs, with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Room physicians or consulting Psychiatrist.

1. Receives referrals through the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and a variety of internal and external sources, including the general Emergency Department, Pediatric Emergency Department and Mental Health/Substance Use Zone.
2. Performs psychosocial assessments and collects collateral related to patients' primary support group, social environment, occupation, education, housing, finance, health service access, and legal problems. Completes emergency psychiatry patient assessments for patients triaged to psychiatry.
3. Develops care plans with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Department Physician or consulting Psychiatrist, and provides general and crisis counselling to patients and their families, in accordance with approved treatment plans.
4. Evaluates the psychiatric nursing care needs of assigned patients and provides direct psychiatric nursing care. Identifies preventative, therapeutic, and rehabilitative aspects of care, and develops and modifies individualized care plans in consultation with the interprofessional team and family members, with clear attention to treatment and risk management priorities. Carries out selected treatments and procedures as prescribed by physicians and nursing orders, in accordance with hospital policy and procedures.
5. Collaborates and consults with Emergency Department staff and other allied health department service providers in the hospital and community, and assists in adapting care plans to address psychiatric needs.
6. Provides patient advocacy services with other agencies, services and service providers.
7. Documents assessments, care plan, observations, patient/family responses, outcomes/evaluation, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.
8. Liaises and communicates as required to support patient flow of admitted psychiatric patients being transferred to inpatient units in a timely manner. Communicates and shares knowledge and information with Coordinators and other team members of the community mental health team on client care issues, resources and discharge planning process; organizes and participates in interdisciplinary conferences with psychiatrists as required; explains plan of care to patients and their family; refers patient to rehabilitation and other adjunctive services including the acute care site as appropriate.
9. Completes and maintains electronic Psychiatric Liaison Contact Sheets before the end of each shift or within the designated and hours of work.
10. Liaises with appropriate departments and professionals, and facilitates transition to aftercare by following transition of care processes including provision of discharge plans and referral to community service providers. Acts as a patient advocate by assisting patients and their family members to access appropriate community resources.
11. Provides guidance to Emergency Department nursing staff, and a variety of internal sources, involved in caring for psychiatric patients, and provides leadership for team members actively involved in violence de-escalation, suicide prevention and restraint practices. Ensures safe patient management and adherence to restraint policies and procedures.
12. Participates in quality improvement activities and research by identifying patient care issues and collecting data.
13. Provides input to the Managers regarding policies, procedures, and operational requirements by observing service needs and providing spoken or written suggestions that address patient and family needs and promote effective use of resources.
14. Identifies own learning needs/goals, reviews these with the Manager or designate and engages in a variety of activities to meet these needs/goals.
15. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and staff by adhering to established safety and emergency practices and procedures.
16. Participates in the orientation and ongoing education of nursing staff and students by providing information and acting as a preceptor or mentor as appropriate. Identifies self-learning needs and attends educational programs to maintain and enhance clinical competency.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing plus current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). One (1) year recent related experience in an acute or community Mental Health & Substance Use setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to complete initial and ongoing mental health and substance use patient 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 patients, families/care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for patients/families/care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, including advocacy for special populations.
• Ability to educate patients 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.