Mental Health Nurse - Serious Mental Health Checks (SMI)
Cumbria Health are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity with two Mental Health Nurse posts opening up to support our current SMI team. The posts are currently funded until March 2025, with the possibility of continued funding after this date. Non-medical prescribing would be preferred, however a non-prescribing rate of pay / role may be considered with other valid experience. Hours can be discussed. We are looking for a proactive, positive and driven team player who is passionate about breaking down barriers to health inequality.
Our SMI Project has been running for 23 months, and we've secured funding for an additional 5 months, starting immediately after pre-employment checks. Cumbria Health provides health checks for patients on the serious mental illness register, collaborating with PCNs across North Cumbria. In year 1, we helped practices reach the 60% target and are now supporting them in reaching the 75% target for year 2. These checks address key physical and mental health issues, promoting proactive care.
Hours: Fixed Term Contract until March 2025, working 30 - 37.5 Hours per week / flexible. A bank contract may be considered for the right applicant.
Location: Wavell Drive, Carlisle or West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven
On your CV application, please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are applying for the role.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will practice autonomously as a Mental Health Nurse offering mental health checks including full physical health check, reviewing mental health plans and if qualified, medication reviews. As part of the pilot, we would ideally have someone who was trained or confident in being trained in phlebotomy and taking ECGs. The Mental Health Nurse will work closely with the SMI Team to provide Health Checks to patients on the Serious Mental Illness Register. The clinics will be held both face to face and remotely, across the North of the County in both clinical and community settings. The post holder will need to be flexible with regards to working hours to ensure we meet the needs of the patients and the service.
You will be expected to undertake clinical assessment, treatment, and/or onward referral of patients within agreed parameters and your own competence in accordance with the SMI Project.
Job responsibilities
1. Provide assessment and implementation of evidence-based interventions for those patients on the SMI register who require it.
2. Optimise the ability to remain in the community and/or be cared for in the least restrictive environment in line with the principles of recovery and social inclusion.
3. Work collaboratively with other members of the SMI team and provide patients with mental health plans.
4. Liaise with other specialist mental health assessment and support services as appropriate in line with patients' best interests, in line with confidentiality code.
5. Keep accurate contemporary electronic consultation records of all patient care episodes.
6. Complete full health check, including full physical health check and medication review if required.
7. Complete or assist in the completion of ECGs and blood tests if and when required.
8. Be responsible and accountable for own decisions made relating directly to patient care requirements, following telephone triage consultation.
9. Facilitate the consultation process utilising a high level of expertise and appropriate interpersonal skills, managing appropriately barriers to effective communication.
10. Facilitate and ensure patient understanding of advice prior to conclusion of consultation.
11. Work in such a way as to take account of the requirements of child protection and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults policy and procedures.
12. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidance relating to mental health in the SMI Project.
13. Participate in audit, research and evaluation of service.
14. Support clinical governance procedures and adverse incident and complaint investigations.
15. Maintain professional competence and ongoing development through engaging in at least the minimum amount of continuing professional education required by the NMC.
16. Undertake all mandatory training required for the role.
17. Adhere to all Cumbria Health Policies and Procedures.
18. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act.
19. Undertake any other activities deemed appropriate and necessary by the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse Mental Health (RNMH)
* Evidence of recent professional development and post-registration education.
* Non-medical prescribing preferred.
Experience
* Evidence of clinical practice development.
* Experience of working with people living with mental health needs in the community.
* Experience of physical health or vital observations.
* Knowledge of safeguarding.
* Knowledge of the different approaches to mental health assessment.
* Good knowledge of National and local issues concerning mental health.
* Experience in primary care.
* Experience of working in secondary mental health community teams.
* Experience of using tools to assess and treat physical health e.g. Lester Tool, Glasgow Antipsychotic Scales (GASS).
* Phlebotomy training.
* Experience of taking ECGs.
Skills and Aptitudes
* Competent in mental health assessments/reviews.
* Effective communication and consultation skills.
* Evidence of clinical decision-making skills.
* Basic keyboard and computer skills.
* Flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends and Bank holidays.
* Lone working as the service demands.
* Confident and competent telephone manner and effective communication skills in questioning.
* Flexible and motivated with ability to adapt and change.
* Interest in own professional development and willingness to keep up to date.
* Ability to work autonomously and without direct supervision.
* Minimum 5 years post-registration experience in relevant specialities.
Other requirements
* Able to attend and participate in all mandatory and statutory training events.
* Drive and use own car for work purposes, if required.
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.
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
5 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
B0554-24-0161
Job locations
Cumbria Health, 4 Wavell Drive, Rosehill Industrial Estate
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