About this role
Job summary
To provide Mental Health nursing support to patients on AAU/AMU (and other clinical areas if asked to move wards for a shift) including ensuring their safety within clinical areas and/or during escort duties.
To be responsible for the initial provision and/or the maintenance of high standards of care for patients on AAU/AMU.
To provide professional leadership in relation to the day-to-day management of patients requiring Mental Health care and support.
To follow the patients' Mental Health Risk Management Plan as devised by Psychiatric Liaison staff, Clinical Lead/Deputy Clinical Lead), or a Duty Psychiatrist.
Where appropriate, to formulate care plans in relation to the patients mental health needs in conjunction with other mental health professionals and the patient but to adhere to plans put in place by the assessing Mental Health Team including Psychiatric Liaison services.
To fulfil the relatively autonomous role of Mental Health Nurse in a non-Mental Health setting, working to established policies and procedures but willing and able to use professional decision-making skills and discretion as required.
To use critical assessment skills to address new or ambiguous matters/circumstances and to seek support as required.
Main duties of the job
To provide Mental Health nursing support to patients on AAU/AMU (and other clinical areas if asked to move wards for a shift) including ensuring their safety within clinical areas and/or during escort duties.
To be responsible for the initial provision and/or the maintenance of high standards of care for patients on AAU/AMU.
To provide professional leadership in relation to the day-to-day management of patients requiring Mental Health care and support.
To follow the patients' Mental Health Risk Management Plan as devised by Psychiatric Liaison staff, Clinical Lead/Deputy Clinical Lead), or a Duty Psychiatrist.
Where appropriate, to formulate care plans in relation to the patients mental health needs in conjunction with other mental health professionals and the patient but to adhere to plans put in place by the assessing Mental Health Team including Psychiatric Liaison services.
To fulfil the relatively autonomous role of Mental Health Nurse in a non-Mental Health setting, working to established policies and procedures but willing and able to use professional decision-making skills and discretion as required.
To use critical assessment skills to address new or ambiguous matters/circumstances and to seek support as required.
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
Job description Job responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities
1. Ensure that they have received adequate handover including any current Patients mental state and nature of mental health difficulties, details of current or planned Mental Health Act Assessments and, plans for physical/medical care.
2. Using their therapeutic skills, through engagement with the patient, complete Psychosocial and MSE assessment every shift and clearly document this on Cerner
3. When carrying out the 1:1 role of patients with Mental Health needs, ensure this is clearly and regularly documented on Cerner.
4. To promote therapeutic relationships which take account of the patients customs, values and spiritual beliefs and facilitate dignity, independence and choice
5. To be fully aware and adhere to the Trust Engagement and Observation of patients with Mental Health Needs Policy, as well as any other Policies or guidelines relevant to the role.
6. To ensure that they are aware of the patients history including any risk factors and to commence and maintain timely risk management to manage any known or unknown risks. To liaise closely with the ward medical team and to refer to the PLN if psychiatric assessment required when risks or concerns are evident.
7. To ensure that any Risk Management Plan put in place by Mental Health services (Psych Liaison and/or Clinical Lead/Deputy Clinical Lead for Mental Health) is adhered to and utilise their own clinical skills to advise if changes are indicated in relation to the implementation of these.
8. Ensure that the environment around the patient is as safe as possible, actively managing risk in a changing clinical environment. It may be necessary to search patients belongings in order to maintain a safe environment. This should be planned with patient if possible although this is not always appropriate. It should always be carried out with the nursing teams agreement and support.
9. To monitor and, if appropriate, restrict access to any item that could be used by the Patient to harm themselves or others.
10. To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the nurse in charge of the clinical area. If no mental health patients present on the ward then will assist with other reasonable requests such as helping to clean/stock areas, prepare cubicles between patients etc.
11. To provide Teaching sessions to AAU/AMU staff on relevant Mental Health subjects, and to attend any teaching that will assist them in their role.
12. Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information at all times
13. Dress in a manner appropriate for the clinical environment and client group which adheres to Infection Control guidelines this should normally be a blue branded polo shirt.
14. Report any changes concerning the Patients clinical presentation to the appropriate professionals and if necessary take additional steps to ensure the safety of all until such time as an in depth Psychiatric review can take place.
15. Giving the patient assistance with hygiene needs, eating and drinking as required, including recording fluid balance if required.
16. Carry out and record baseline observations in line with Trust Policy in consultation with allocated General Nurse.
17. Assist AAU/AMU staff with patients clinical management within NMC scope of practice.
18. To utilise their own Clinical skills to ensure high quality of care in maintaining the safety and well-being of the Patient.
19. To Utilise diversion and de-escalation skills to manage conflict situations and to understand when to and how to request assistance from others if situation escalates.
20. To ensure they are aware of the Trusts emergency protocols including contacting Security, action in event of a fire, cardiac arrest or Mental Health patient absconding.
21. If necessary preventing a patient from causing harm to themselves/others or attempting to abscond using interventions in the first instance such as de-escalation but in some circumstances physical intervention. This should be carried out in a manner which keeps themselves and others as safe as possible. Restraint should be reasonable and proportionate. See Trust Policy De-escalation and Physical Intervention in response to Clinically Challenging Behaviour.
22. To have extensive knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, Common Law and The Mental Health Act including use of section 5(2) of the Mental Health Act and to provide expert advice to ward staff in relation to these.
23. Support the registered nurses in the clinical area in the administration of the patients medication - explaining what is happening to the patient and providing any physical assistance necessary.
24. Ensure that any specific aspects of the Mental Health Act are adhered to in relation to individual Patients including reading the patient their rights if detained under the MHA and completing a S132 Form.
25. Manage any requirements necessary to safely facilitate to possible surgical procedures including ensuring the Patient remains nil by mouth as and when instructed.
26. Escort patient to other departments or services both inside and outside of the Hospital ensuring that any concerns are raised with the relevant professional prior to any escort taking place. This will include escorting Patients outside for a Cigarette if assessed as safe to do so.
27. Communicate with the Multi-Disciplinary Team, Psychiatric Liaison Team and any other Clinical services in a Professional and appropriate manner.
28. To ensure that any written documentation required for the role is completed in a timely, legible and clinically appropriate manner and format.
29. Work under the direction of the Nurse-in-Charge and comply with management requests from the Ward Manager, Matron, Clinical Site Manager and/or Clinical Lead/Deputy Clinical Lead for Mental Health
30. To dispense and/or administer prescribed medication within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Guidelines.
31. To be helpful, motivated, engaging and willing to assist your colleagues at all times.
32. To move, without argument, If asked to move wards or change which Patient you are looking after for clinical reasons when asked to do so by senior staff including the ED nurse in charge, ED Matron, Clinical Site Manager or Clinical Lead/Deputy Clinical Lead Mental Health. Any refusal to comply may result in disciplinary action.
33. To use a Trauma Informed Approach to all patients with mental Health needs on the Wards.
34. To be helpful, motivated, engaging and willing to assist your colleagues at all times. This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Person Specification
essential Essential
Registered Mental Nurse on the NMC Register Experience of at least 3 yrs as within an Acute NHS Medical setting Post graduate qualifications Mental Health, or equivalent in experience Excellent knowledge of all relevant legislation in relation to Mental Health and mental Capacity Able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in relation to the management of suicidal individuals. Able to demonstrate excellent clinical skills in Risk Assessment Proactive about own personal development in line with KSF Post requirements.
Desirable
Registered General Adult Nurse on the NMC Register Completed approved Prevention and management of Violence and Aggression course. Previous experience in a Psychiatric liaison or Crisis resolution team role. Knowledge of co-morbid physical illness's in relation to Mental Health patients Previous experience in a Psychiatric liaison or Crisis resolution team role.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road
Isleworth
TW7 6AF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)