Liaison Nurse (Nurse III)

QUALIFICATIONS
* Baccalaureate Degree in Psychiatric Nursing preferred
* Practicing registration with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Manitoba
* A minimum of three (3) years within the past five (5) years relevant clinical experience in mental health
* Basic Cardiac Life support Certification
* Demonstrated management and leadership skills
* Certification preferred in, or willingness to complete: ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Instructor training and teach CPR, First Aid
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Evidence of professional development and activity in professional association
* Knowledge of adult learning and ability to teach individuals and groups effectively
* Knowledge of competence and aptitude for working with this specific client population (principles of crisis intervention, co-ocurring disorders, dialectical behaviour theory)
* Excellent counselling and conflict resolution skills
* Must be competent with Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
* Knowledge, competence and ability to demonstrate clinical nursing skills and concepts in accordance with approved nursing standards
* Ability to make effective decisions regarding nursing care
* Demonstrated effective problem solving, organizational skills and the ability to work independently
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Ability to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and clients

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Prairie Mountain Health Crisis Services, and while demonstrating a commitment to the vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Prairie Mountain Health, the Liaison Nurse is responsible for the coordination and enhancement of the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) integrated services to the communities they serve. The Liaison Nurse provides leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of the standards of care, policies and procedures, acts as a resource to community mental health programs and facilitates collaborative projects with internal programs and external agencies. The Liaison Nurse is required to develop and maintain all competencies required to function in the role of both Clinician and Nurse and, in the absence of the Manager, is in charge for clinical services.

Nurse III’s recognize and fulfill their professional responsibilities by practicing in a manner consistent with the professional obligations of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba, including the Standards of Practice for Registered Psychiatric Nurses (2010), and the scope to practice as defined by other Provincial and Federal legislation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

1. The Liaison Nurse coordinates team members (CSU and MCU) in the daily program operations to ensure the highest quality of care is given in accordance with current Policy and Procedure and accepted models of intervention (e.g., Crisis Theory, CODI, DBT).
2. The Liaison Nurse maintains a broad awareness of developments in mental health and identifies opportunities to strengthen partnerships and collaborative practices with other programs, agencies and the community. The Liaison Nurse assumes a leadership role for educating the community and caregivers about resources and networks to create better ways to deliver effective services without duplication.
3. Fosters a workplace atmosphere that promotes exceptional client care and staff morale. The Liaison Nurse understands and contributes to the organizational goals, while working within the culture of the group.
4. Is creative, flexible and demonstrates adaptability and a positive attitude toward change. The Liaison Nurse participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of treatment modalities appropriate to the population served.
5. Serves as an active and productive member of the Program Team and assists Project Improvement Teams (PIT’s). The Liaison Nurse participates in decision-making and supports the outcomes.
6. Monitors the learning needs of staff and coordinates measures to address staff development. The Liaison Nurse provides clinical direction to the Nurse II, Crisis Workers I and II and Community Mental Health Worker’s.
7. Assesses, prioritizes and creatively delegates workload, in consultation with the Manager, to provide staff coverage within the allocated budget.
8. Assists with direct client care in CSU and MCU to the extent required to maintain competencies, identify staff learning needs and coordinate services.
9. Monitors client referrals and care, liaises with clients, families, staff and other caregivers to resolve client care issues. Advocates on behalf of clients and their support systems.
10. Assists with performance management, staff counselling and hiring interviews, as directed by the Manager.
11. Coordinates the orientation of new employees, evaluates orientation and utilizes the preceptorship model.
12. Coordinates practical experiences for students and communicates with educational institutions to assign preceptors and organize evaluations.
13. Facilitates effective and efficient internal and external communication.
14. Promotes excellent interpersonal relationships amongst employees by demonstrating and encouraging professional behaviour and acceptance/utilization of constructive feedback, while maintaining impartial relationships.
15. Exhibits critical thinking skills to logically evaluate situations, problem-solve and make prompt and appropriate decisions.
16. Demonstrates the ability to set and commit to goals and priorities, plan and manage time and resources to achieve goals.
17. Demonstrates leadership skills, initiative, energy and persistence to promote services, learning, growth and health. The Liaison Nurse exhibits honesty, integrity and personal ethics.
18. The Liaison Nurse is ambulatory to the degree that they are able to maneuver the physical layout of the unit without assistance. They are ambulatory to the degree that they can ensure their own safety and that of others from hostile people and dangers in the environment.
19. The Liaison Nurse is in possession of sight and hearing adequate to permit effective observation and communication with others. The Liaison Nurse is medically and psychologically fit to tolerate the working conditions inherent in the position.
20. The Liaison Nurse is prepared to encounter a wide variety of environmental conditions and/or hazards that could include hostile clients, exposure to health risks, high degree of personal stress, inhibited scheduled breaks, the need to work overtime, limited office space and a possibly disruptive work environment. The scheduled hours include occasional weekends and evenings.
21. Assists the Manager with other duties as assigned.
22. Sundry duties as assigned.