Community Psychiatric Nurse

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

To deliver a high quality service to older people with dementia in a multiprofessional framework. To develop shared understandings of peoples presentations that help people to better comprehend the underlying function(s) driving behaviour that challenges. To act as key worker/care co-ordinator for named individuals and adhering to the Care Programme Approach process To help review suitability of referrals into the service and to support the wider network in understanding the remit of the Intensive Support Team. This will be achieved by attending meetings and providing training. Be responsible for the continuous overall management of a defined caseload. To receive and provide clinical and management supervision/guidance as directed by senior clinicians. To supervise junior colleagues/other staff in the delivery of care and treatment to individuals and groups. To support junior staff colleagues to manage caseloads effectivel To develop close working relationships with voluntary/statutory services: in particular Social Services, primary/secondary health services and independent care home providers. The post holder will also be expected to participate in the system of integrated team working. To support care home systems in providing high quality interventions for people who have dementia and present with complex needs/behaviours. To educate and provide both internal and external training in terms of issues pertaining to care for people with dementia. To develop a personal development plan in liaison with your supervisor/Line Manager, as well as keeping up to date with statutory and mandatory training as per Trust guidelines.

CLINICAL ROLE

Provide comprehensive, therapeutically-informed assessments for people with dementia residing in care homes. This may include the use of appropriate tools that have utility in dementia settings. Build on a comprehensive assessment of the persons presentation by developing a shared understanding about behaviour that is challenging and communicate this with care home teams/other relevant agencies. Complete complex risk assessments and refer/signpost to other appropriate services where needed (e.g. Alzheimers Society, Social Services etc). Lead on the development of comprehensive, data-informed care plans and interventions that correspond to the principles of Positive Behaviour Support. Any interventions used should be linked with a clear clinical rationale and the evidence-base for supporting people who have dementia. Participate in the teams duty rota. Ensure service audits and evaluations take place as expected and required. Attend relevant clinical/business meetings. To act as support and specialist advisor to other services such as General Practitioners, primary care teams, Community Mental Health Teams for Older People and care home services. Provide direction, supervision and appraisals for junior staff. To act as mentor for junior colleagues wishing to gain experience in dementia care or working with older people. To use the Trust electronic record system and other IT systems as appropriate. To attend and prepare reports for MDT meetings and to assist teams in understanding how best to engage with people who have dementia and complex behaviours that challenge. Ensure the safe storage and recording of medicines within designated clinical areas. Ensure the safe delivery of oral medications to clients in care home settings in such a way that corresponds to Trust guidelines and policies.

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

To act as a health advisor/educator within primary and secondary care for individuals, agencies, relatives, carers and staff. Advise on issues of physical and mental health so as to engender a positive approach to health and wellbeing. Implement and participate in orientation and induction programmes for all new staff, which helps socialise people to the ethos of the service. Support nursing students to achieve core outcomes associated with their educational placements. Participate in regular audit of placement areas to enable students to fulfil their learning objectives. Facilitate and participate in continuing professional development to enhance the care offered to people using services. Be a positive role model/mentor within the team.

MANAGEMENT

To take responsibility for the continuous overall management of a defined caseload as agreed with the Line Manager. Maintain an accurate up-to-date diary and record of visits. Ensure that effective communication exists within and between the Intensive Support Team and other key stakeholders/agencies. Participate in and lead meetings as appropriate. Report all complaints and/or incidents relating to people using services, relatives to the Team Leader and act in accordance with the Trusts complaints procedure. To co-operate with any investigations that are carried out within the service. Maintain and update statistical information and submit appropriate returns/data as required.

PROFESSIONAL

To provide a high standard of professional conduct at all times in accordance with the NMC guidelines and other applicable professional guidelines relevant to your role. To participate in teaching/mentoring students. To attend relevant meetings, courses and seminars as well as keeping up-to-date in developments in dementia care and your professional speciality. Ensure that your actions prioritise the rights, dignity, individuality, self-esteem and wellbeing of people using services and their relatives or carers. Act as an advocate by championing the rights of carers and people using services. Ensure that your professional practice is guided by current knowledge and a theoretical evidence-base. Any other duties considered relevant to the post.

GENERAL

a) To fully participate in the Trusts performance review and personal development planning process on an annual basis. b) Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with Line Manager as part of the personal development planning process. c) To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. d) To contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/she works. e) To undertake any other duties at the request of the line manager which are commensurate with the role, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. f) To contribute to a healthy and safe working environment by adhering to Health and Safety regulations and Trust policies. g) To contribute to the prevention and control of healthcare associated infection by adhering to Trust policies and guidelines. h) Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Trust is committed to valuing and promoting diversity in employment, service delivery practices and its general environment. An expectation of all posts within the Trust is that each individual will take responsibility for promoting open, inclusive and accessible service provision, staff development and a culture that values and respects difference.