Patients diagnosed with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) have an average life expectancy of 15-20 years less than those people with no history of Mental Health Illness. They are more than four times more likely to die of heart disease, twice as likely to die of cancer and four times more likely to die of respiratory disease. For this reason, it is vital that, even in a Mental Healthcare setting, we carefully monitor the Physical Health of patients and support them towards the necessary interventions to improve their health. This involves close collaboration with our Primary Care Colleagues as well as Non profit Organisations.
The post holder will form an integral part of our SMI Physical Health Service. Many Patients/Service Users who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs require close monitoring due to potential side effects. In addition we provide annual Physical Health Checks and intervention care as necessary.
Main duties of the job
1. Physical Health Monitoring of Service Users, also taking into consideration their psychological needs.
2. Identifying health risks and planning necessary interventions with the support of the Physical Health Lead Nurse.
3. Working in collaboration with MDT colleagues.
4. Advising Service Users regarding potential side effects of their medication.
5. Support Service Users in self-managing their health care needs when appropriate.
6. Attending to Service Users in Clinical settings or at Home when necessary.
About us
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
Why work for us?
We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
Why Norfolk and Suffolk?
The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We're an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Physical Health Monitoring of Service Users, also taking into consideration their psychological needs.
2. Identifying health risks and planning necessary interventions with the support of the Physical Health Lead Nurse.
3. Working in collaboration with MDT colleagues.
4. Advising Service Users regarding potential side effects of their medication.
5. Support Service Users in self-managing their health care needs when appropriate.
6. Attending to Service Users in Clinical settings or at Home when necessary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* RGN, RN (Adult) or RMN, RN (MH) with evidence of physical health interest. Nursing degree or equivalent.
Desirable
* Higher degree or post graduate certificate in physical health conditions, i.e wound care, tissue viability, chronic disease or willingness to obtain skills. Hold a recognised teaching qualification or willing to obtain skills.
Experience
Essential
* Experience of physical health nursing. Working with service users with mental health needs. Working with MDT. Working knowledge and understanding of CPA process and Risk - willingness to learn.
Desirable
* Experience of physical health nursing, practice nursing, community nursing. Experience of counselling and teaching. Willing to teach, demonstrate and provide guidance and support to health care professionals.
Skills
Essential
* Able to perform ECG investigation, phlebotomy, physiological monitoring procedures, respiratory monitoring and support with medication administration in physical health conditions. Must be able to use computer and perform basic word processing. Ability to problem solve. Confident manner, approachable, tactful and diplomatic. Ability to effectively prioritise own work load. Manage time and meet agreed deadlines. Satisfactory verbal and written English Language skills.
Desirable
* Willingness to study these topics Reflect on clinical practice, identify areas of improvement and work with others to improve physical health care.
Knowledge
Essential
* Knowledge of medication and the monitoring of its effect - physical health conditions. Physiological monitoring tests and selection of interventions or referral options for a wide range of physical health areas. An understanding of the policies and guidelines both local and nationals (NICE, DH).
Desirable
* Willingness to learn mental health medications to understand the side effects and impact on physical health. Developing knowledge of local wider systems and networks. Knowledge of health promotion. Willingness to commit to on going CPD to learn chronic disease management.
Other
Essential
* Ability to travel independently (needs to be able to drive). Ability to be flexible to meet service needs.
Employer details
Employer name
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address
Hellesdon Hospital
Drayton High Road
Norwich
NR6 5BE
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