Community Mental Health Nurse (CPN)

Job overview

You will act as the named care co-ordinator and manage the coordination of care needs, planning and implementation of evidence-based care to a defined group of service users and their carers, within a defined catchment area/locality. You will provide professional advice and support to other agencies and members of the multidisciplinary team and act up for Team Lead in their absence as appropriate. You will act as a role model and resource for junior/less experienced staff.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work under the overall supervision of the Team Leader but is required to undertake the duties of the post without direct supervision. The post holder carries responsibility for the assessment and advising on the management of patients presenting to the Community Mental Health Team.

The post holder:

• Provide supervision to junior staff.
• Will act as an independent practitioner within a defined community setting, while liaising with other professionals as necessary.
• Will manage a defined caseload and provide supervision to others as appropriate.
• Will be responsible for the assessment planning implementation and evaluation of nursing care within agreed parameters, and have a working knowledge of local, national policies and legislation, which govern current service provision and audit.
• Will be responsible for ensuring effective communication pathways exist.
• Will be responsible for ensuring the promotion of equality diversity and rights in accordance with good practice and legislation.
• Will be responsible for contributing to the training needs necessary in providing quality evidence-based care as appropriate

Valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle essential for this post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post holder will be fully conversant and uphold their professional code of conduct.
• Ensure all care is delivered in accordance with Trust’s care programme  approach guidelines.
• Undertake risk assessments with patients and plan effectively to manage this as part of MDT care planning and shared risk management.
• Ensure that all interventions are undertaken within established time scales and according to standards of best evidence based practice and operational policy.
• To provide clinical supervision and professional leadership to junior staff and promote research based practice.
• Attend training as provided and be responsible for keeping oneself up to date at all times with mandatory training.
• Keep oneself updated in all legislative government initiatives. Particularly those relevant to Community Mental Health and Recovery principles.
• To undertake care co-ordination of an allocated caseload of patients with complex needs and may have history of disengagement, dual diagnosis and revolving door treatment episodes.
• Carry responsibility for the assessment of care needs, the development, implementation and evaluation of recovery-based care plans.
• To maintain effective individualised care through assessment of service user and carers problems. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions and clear, accurate and concise documentation of individualised care.
• Undertake initial comprehensive assessments and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings to look at appropriate selection and allocation of patients to CPA and regular reviews.
• Following analysis of patient assessments, plan creatively to meet their needs including the provision of evidence-based interventions.
• Prioritise and manage workload to ensure the effective management of a defined group of patients with complex needs.
• Work flexibly across the Community Mental Health Team.