Opioid Agonist Treatment Clinic Nurse, Correctional Health Services

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority client safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Clinic Nurse provides trauma-informed nursing care to clients with physical or mental health needs and/or concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders. Provides direct health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of acute and chronic illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, substance dependency, mental health and general health issues. Performs physical, substance use and psychiatric assessments, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications. Observes, monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions. Provides education and support to clients/groups using a health promotion approach. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, other health care professionals, clients, families and the community. Performs job duties through a Trauma Informed Care Framework and Indigenous Cultural lens.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Provides direct trauma-informed health care services to clients presenting with a wide variety and complexity of illnesses/diseases including communicable diseases, substance dependency, mental health and general health issues. Performs physical, substance use and psychiatric assessments, collects specimens, refers clients to the physician for further examination, administers prescribed treatments and medications according to protocols and makes appropriate adjustments. Triages Health Service Requests from clients and makes appropriate treatment plan or referrals. Completes Initial Health Assessments, nursing interventions and treatments on all clients on admission, referrals to clinicians as required for monitoring and follow up assessments and treatments
• Receives and triages all new Opioid Agonist Treatment initiation requests and referrals from client’s nurses and physicians in the Correctional Centre. Triages and processes all OAT requests within the OAT initiation criteria as established by the Medical Director of PHSA Corrections Health.
• Regularly communicates with other members of the health care interdisciplinary team within the Correctional Centre (e.g., physicians, nurses, mental health and substance use professionals and Correctional and Parole/Probation Officers) regarding the anticipated release of clients and their potential needs for OAT transition community prescriptions, counselling and community OAT physicians.
• Clinical/frequent assessment and monitoring of OAT clients as required and performing urine drug screens or other diagnostic tests as needed or ordered by a physician.
• Observes monitors, evaluates and documents client progress, symptoms, and behavioral changes and performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and medical equipment including therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities. Initiates and facilitates discharge planning in collaboration with the interprofessional treatment team; identifies referrals to other health professionals.
• Provides education and support to clients and groups using a health promotion approach regarding matters such as contraception, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and minor dermatology problems.
• Works collaboratively with other health care professionals, client, family and community in the identification and resolution of health issues, cultural and language barriers, ethical dilemmas and coordination and integration of care, and makes referrals to other service providers as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies; prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation. Documents client/family perspectives and nursing observations.
• Uses appropriate supplies and equipment in accordance with organizational standards and safe care requirements. Problem-solves equipment malfunctions with technical staff. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains an awareness of current Occupation Health & Safety guidelines and standards. Participates in incident investigations as required. Responds to incidents and provides nursing care such as treating injuries to staff or visitors, Code Blue or Code Yellow emergencies involving clients, inmates or staff, hazardous and/or minor spills, aggressive and/or disruptive behaviours; provides first aid to injured persons up to Occupational First Aid Level 2 standards (OFA Level 3 standards at the Ford Mountain Correctional Centre); completes Firs Aid reports and Incident Report forms. Maintains competencies with the PHSA Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum.
• Participates in unit/team/program activities to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and facilitate evidence-based, trauma-informed and client and family-centered nursing practice. Promotes quality management principles. Identifies and reports unsafe practice/professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
• Applies an evidence-based approach to clinical problem-solving through methods such as reviewing relevant literature/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
• Participates on committees as directed to promote optimal support for clients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the clinic/team/program.
• Demonstrates and/or provides guidance on clinical and health related tasks to designated care givers including LPN’s, Unit Clerk and guides the clinical experience of assigned students and new staff; provides input to the Manager and/or designate as requested on individual's progress in achieving established standards of nursing care.
• Maintains standards of nursing practice and develops professional competence through in service, interprofessional case conferences, team meetings and other educational means, as required by the employer.
• Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice, and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames.
• Performs regular security functions to maintain the safety and security of clients, staff, families and the general public at all times and takes immediate action to mitigate risks, as well as reporting all real and potential risk issues. Assesses individual client risk factors and incorporates risk mitigation strategies into clients’ care plans in order to optimize safety and security for staff, other inmates and the general public.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current practicing registration as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse or as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Two 2 years’ recent experience providing trauma-informed acute or community health nursing care/services to clients who have a combination of physical, psychiatric and/or concurrent substance abuse/misuse disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Occupational First Aid Level 2 certification (OFA Level 3 certification for positions at the Ford Mountain Correctional Centre)