Emergency Psychiatric Liaison Nurse; EPLN

Position: Emergency Psychiatric Liaison Nurse (EPLN)
Location: New Westminster

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse performs intake assessment, crisis intervention, and direct patient care to Psychiatric patients in the Emergency Department and/or MH&SUS zone in the Emergency Department, in accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Provides input into and assists with ensuring effective patient flow for assessed and admitted psychiatric patients including those awaiting transfer for further assessment; assists with patient admission and transfer to ensure psychiatric services and bed destination is achieved in a timely manner. Within the context of a patient service culture, screens and assesses patients to develop care plans. Collaborates with Emergency Department Nurses, other emergency service providers, the interprofessional community mental health team and other community service providers and assists in adapting care plans to address psychiatric needs, with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Room physicians or consulting Psychiatrist.

Responsibilities Receives referrals through the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and a variety of internal and external sources, including the general Emergency Department, Pediatric Emergency Department and Mental Health/Substance Use Zone. Performs psychosocial assessments and collects collateral related to patients' primary support group, social environment, occupation, education, housing, finance, health service access, and legal problems. Completes emergency psychiatry patient assessments for patients triaged to psychiatry.

Develops care plans with final dispositions authorized by the Emergency Department Physician or consulting Psychiatrist, and provides general and crisis counselling to patients and their families, in accordance with approved treatment plans. Evaluates the psychiatric nursing care needs of assigned patients and provides direct psychiatric nursing care. Identifies preventative, therapeutic, and rehabilitative aspects of care, and develops and modifies individualized care plans in consultation with the interprofessional team and family members, with clear attention to treatment and risk management priorities.

Carries out selected treatments and procedures as prescribed by physicians and nursing orders, in accordance with hospital policy and procedures. Collaborates and consults with Emergency Department staff and other allied health department service providers in the hospital and community, and assists in adapting care plans to address psychiatric needs. Provides patient advocacy services with other agencies, services and service providers.

Documents assessments, care plan, observations, patient/family responses, outcomes/evaluation, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures. Liaises and communicates as required to support patient flow of admitted psychiatric patients being transferred to inpatient units in a timely manner. Communicates and shares knowledge and information with Coordinators and other team members of the community mental health team on client care issues, resources and discharge planning process;

organizes and participates in interdisciplinary conferences with psychiatrists as required; explains plan of care to patients and their family; refers patient to rehabilitation and other adjunctive services including the acute care site as appropriate. Completes and maintains electronic Psychiatric Liaison Contact Sheets before the end of each shift or within the designated and hours of work. Liaises with appropriate departments and professionals, and facilitates transition to aftercare by following transition of care processes including provision of discharge plans and referral to community service providers.

Acts as a patient advocate by assisting patients and their family members to access appropriate…