Mental Health Nurse - Serious Mental Health Checks (SMI) inCarlisle inCarlisle PUBLISHED 4 NOV 2024

Cumbria Health are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity with two Mental Health Nurse posts opening up to support our current SMI team. The posts are currently funded until March 2025, with the possibility of continued funding after this date. Non-medical prescribing would be preferred, however a non-prescribing rate of pay / role may be considered with other valid experience. Hours can be discussed. We are looking for a proactive, positive and driven team player who is passionate about breaking down barriers to health inequality.

Our SMI Project has been running for 23 months, and we've secured funding for an additional 5 months, starting immediately after pre-employment checks. Cumbria Health provides health checks for patients on the serious mental illness register, collaborating with PCNs across North Cumbria. In year 1, we helped practices reach the 60% target and are now supporting them in reaching the 75% target for year 2. These checks address key physical and mental health issues, promoting proactive care.

Hours: Fixed Term Contract until March 2025, working 30 - 37.5 Hours per week / flexible. A bank contract may be considered for the right applicant.

Location :Wavell Drive, Carlisle or West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven

Non-medical prescribing would be preferred, however, a non-prescribing rate of pay / role MAY be considered with other valid experience

On your CV application, please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are applying for the role.

The post holder will practice autonomously as a Mental health nurse offering mental health checks including full physical health check, reviewing mental health plans and if qualified, medication reviews. As part of pilot, we would ideally have someone who was trained or confident in being trained in phlebotomy and taking ECGs. The Mental Health Nurse will work closely with the SMI Team to provide Health Checks to patients on the Serious Mental Illness Register. The clinics will be held both face to face and remotely, across the North of the County in both clinical and community settings. The post holder will need to be flexible with regards to working hours to ensure we meet the needs of the patients and the service.

You will be expected to undertake clinical assessment, treatment, and/ or onward referral of patients within agreed parameters and your own competence in accordance with the SMI Project.

About us

This list of duties and responsibilities represents the broad range of tasks which may be required to be undertaken either routinely or periodically. This list is not exhaustive, and the role may include additional duties which are not listed here:

1. Provide assessment and implementation of evidence-based interventions for those patients on the SMI register who require it.

2. Optimise the ability to remain in the community and / or be cared for in the least restrictive environment in line with the principles of recovering and social inclusion and 10 essential capabilities.

3. To work collaboratively with other members of the SMI team and provide patients with mental health plans.

4. Liaise with other specialist mental health assessment and support services as appropriate in line with patients best interests, in line with confidentiality code.

5. To keep accurate contemporary electronic consultation records of all patient care episodes.

6. Complete full health check, including full physical health check and medication review if required

7. Complete or assist in the completion of ECGs and blood if and when required.

8. Be responsible and accountable for own decisions made relating directly to patient care requirements, following telephone triage consultation.

9. Facilitate the consultation process utilising a high level of expertise and appropriate interpersonal skills, managing appropriately barriers to effective communication

10. Facilitate and ensure patient understanding of advice prior to conclusion of consultation

11. Work in such a way as to take account of the requirements of child protection and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults policy and procedures

12. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidance relating to mental health in the SMI Project.

13. Participate in audit, research and evaluation of service.

14. Support clinical governance procedures and adverse incident and complaint investigations.

15. Maintain professional competence and on- going development through engaging in at least the minimum amount of continuing professional education required by the NMC.

16. Undertake all mandatory training required for the role

17. To adhere to all Cumbria Health Policies and Procedures

18. To maintain a high level of confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act. Be aware of the nature of information dealt with and work in a manner which ensures confidentiality and security

19. Undertake any other activities deemed appropriate and necessary by the organisation.