Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (HPC/RN 4) - Child & Adolescent Mental Health

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Officer (Health), the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to children, adolescents and their families, performing specific psychiatric/medical services for which the officer has been prepared. These services include; assessing, diagnosing, managing persons with psychiatric and psychosocial issues, undertaking clinical, educational and administrative responsibilities within the clinic, collaborating with other members of the health staff as well as other agencies in the execution of duties and participating in extensive health promotional/educational activities. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts multigenerational family assessment including medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, functional and developmental history 
• Performs comprehensive physical and mental status examinations 
• Screens, identifies and refers persons with co-morbid medical disorders to appropriate health personnel 
• Requests and interprets selected diagnostic tests relevant to the patient’s status according to protocol 
• Evaluates clinical findings 
• Formulates diagnoses (medical, nursing and differential) derived from history and assessment data, using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM IV) 
• Develops and implements treatment plans for patients 
• Consults on diagnosis and treatment plan for patients 
• Prescribes treatment and management of a psychiatric nature including writing orders for authorized medicines according to protocol and consultation 
• Counsels and educates patients/other family members on health behaviour, self-care skills and treatment options 
• Consults with other health professionals on matters relating to patient care
• Evaluates the accuracy of diagnoses and effectiveness of interventions 
• Documents systematically, concisely and accurately the assessment, treatment plan, interventions and evaluation 
• Acts as a consultant to other healthcare professionals on issues relating to mental health
• Conducts home visits, for example for non-compliant and difficult patients 
• Responds to psychiatric, psychosocial and natural disaster crises (disaster management and counselling) 
• Organizes assertive outreach for the homeless and mentally ill patients 
• Collaborates with and refers patients to other health and social agencies 
• Plans and implements psychosocial rehabilitation programmes for patients 
• Facilitates support and other therapeutic groups for patients and their families
• Participates in and contributes to educational,administrtive and research activities
• Performs other duties assigned from time to time 

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE:

• Working knowledge of the public health systems relating to the delivery of healthcare
• Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders 
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions 
• Working knowledge of the relevant computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Excellent organization, coordination, problem-solving skills and techniques 
• Independent, flexible and innovative attitude 
• Strong crisis intervention skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Excellent time management and planning abilities 
• Ability to work under pressure and outside of close supervision 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB:

• Will be required to work in hospital settings 
• May be exposed to severe or complex cases 
• May be required to travel within the parish 
• May be required to respond to crises outside of normal working; hours, including weekends and Public Holidays 
• May be required to conduct home visits 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Registered General Nurse or Registered Mental Health Nurse 
• Certified Psychiatric Nurse (Six months Post Basic Programme) 
• A Minimum of 5 years post-registration practice in general health 
• Mental Health or other areas of nursing 
• Advanced Nursing Education: Mental Health/Psychiatric 
• Nurse Practitioner/MSc. MHPNP

NB ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED