Liaison Psychiatry Nurse

Job overview

We are looking for a highly dedicated nurse to join our Liaison Psychiatry Service at Kingston Hospital in Kingston and Richmond Borough. Our team provides a comprehensive specialist service to patients in the general hospital setting including the A and E department. The team has been rated as an excellent service by the Psychiatric Liaison Accreditation Network.  You will be expected to work a shift system across a 24hr period seven days a week, primarily assessing patients that present with mental health problems, self-harm or as a psychiatric crisis including comprehensive risk assessments.  The role involves working autonomously carrying out mental health assessments and  treatments while working closely with the team members. You will be expected to work as a mental health Nurse specialist within the hospital. The post involves fostering staff relationships and supporting and working closely with our physical health colleagues. You must be comfortable working flexibly, both autonomously and in a team.  You will  also be expected to provide regular teaching to hospital staff.

Continuous Professional Development and regular professional supervision are a priority for the Trust and you will receive regular supervision working within this role.

Main duties of the job

We have a very strong commitment to education, research and staff development.  As well as promoting your own professional development, we will expect you to participate in the teaching and training of nurses and other health professionals.  This is a challenging but rewarding role, offering an exciting opportunity to nurses who have strong assessment and therapeutic skills.  You will need the ability to work autonomously whilst still contributing to the team as a whole.  Previous experience of  working in Liaison Psychiatry is desirable, although not essential.  We offer excellent staff support through clinical supervision and teamwork.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To manage a caseload of clients with complex needs, using evidence based /client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.  • Working with older adults in the acute trust hospital   • Promote choice and hopefulness and ensure a recovery orientated approach  • Promote and initiate any actions to safeguard vulnerable children and adults  • To provide short-term follow up care for patients in their own homes when required.   • Liaise closely with the team manager regarding the delivery of care.  • To participate in audit/research projects associated with the work of the service and any nurse specific projects and service delivery.  • To participate fully in quality assurance initiatives, with emphasis on a ‘patient first’ approach when required.  • To represent the Mental Health Trust in the general hospital setting and play a vital role in communicating and maintaining a good working relationship between the Trusts and Services.  • To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust Nursing Service.  • To regularly supervise and mentor nurse students on practice placement.