Addictions Medicine Consult Team

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 in collaboration and partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered and recovery oriented care, the Addictions Medicine Consult Team (AMCT) Nurse provides treatment and care management services that are both inclusionary and flexible for individuals with substance use concerns and substance use disorders that meet the needs of the client and provides integration across the care continuum. The AMCT Nurse consults, confers and collaborates with other health care providers, family and/or natural supports to assess, develop, implement, evaluate and modify individualized strength-based treatment plans. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect. Monitors client response and provides ongoing information to the client, family and natural supports on activities of daily living, use of medication, side effects and integration of illness into their lifestyle. Prepares and maintains client records according to established standards. Participates and engages in team meetings, team planning and quality improvement activities. Prescribes Opioid Agonist Therapy within the parameters developed for RN/RPN within Fraser Health Addictions Medicine Consult Team. Responsibilities Performs substance use screening, physical and psychosocial assessments as well as a substance use-focused pre-assessment for referrals to the Addiction Medicine Consult Team (AMCT). Develops, implements, evaluates and modifies an individualized strength-based treatment and action plan in collaboration with the client, their family and/or natural supports, and the interdisciplinary team. Observes, monitors and evaluates client progress. Reorganizes priorities and revises treatment plan as required. Provides individualized direct nursing care to designated clients and supports direct care staff in provision of care to client from a harm reduction lens, ensuring timely access to treatment, and engaging or reconnecting client to care in the community. Works with the AMCT to initiate measures that relieve crisis and emergent situations in managing aggressive and suicidal behaviours. Shares harm reduction practices and relevant resources to staff. Administers prescribed medicines, monitors clients prescribed medications, response to medications and side effects. Consults with physician regarding pharmaceuticals needs. In accordance with BCCNM standards, limits and conditions, demonstrates and articulates the responsibility of the authorized RN/RPN prescriber to the interprofessional team and when interacting with the client. Identifies when client needs exceed RN/RPN scope of practice. Assesses client, develops understanding of client's goals, and provides education and counseling to clients on matters related to substance use, harm reduction and relapse prevention, as well as ongoing information to the client, their family and/or natural supports on activities of daily living, use of medications, side effects and coping strategies to assist with the integration of illness into their lifestyle. Provides motivational interviewing to support client through their journey through the continuum of care. Initiates and or participates in discharge planning, coordination of specialized services, and referral to community services/resources specific to client's pertinent substance use disorders and related comorbidities that require urgent response and follow-up support, in collaboration with acute care team and liaising with community providers and substance use services staff. Determines resource priorities, consults and provides recommendations for case coordination services, shares relevant client information, discusses clients' assessments, and provides input and clinical support to relevant care team on care issues related to the client engaging stakeholders in treatment planning and evaluation to ensure continuity of care, communication of treatment concerns. Provides follow-up planning support. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect with the client, their family and/or natural supports, promoting and supporting client to manage self-care, encouraging informed decision making and empowering the client to improve the clients' quality of life. Advocates for and facilitates informed choices. Documents client, family and/or natural supports perspectives, nursing assessment and interventions that support client, family and/or natural supports priorities. Maintains complete and accurate records by inputting data and documentation in accordance with established procedures and policies. Acts as a preceptor and/or mentor to assigned new nursing staff and students. Shares information, demonstrates care activities and/or provides guidance on clinical and health related tasks, and participates in orientation. Provides input to the Manager and/or designate as requested regarding individual performance. Engages in team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution and collaboration by attending meetings and in-services, reviewing and providing input/recommendations regarding team policies practices and procedures to leadership to ensure streamlined, effective and client/family-centred approaches. Maintains own professional development by means such as reviewing relevant literature, attending educational workshops and in-services, maintaining abreast of current standards of practice, consulting and networking with other health care professionals and community counsellors. Participates in approved nursing and interdisciplinary research and projects in collaboration with other health care professionals such as by collecting data, summarizing information and/or providing verbal updates for review and analysis. Maintains a safe environment for clients, visitors and employees by adhering to established safety and emergency practices, policies and procedures. Reports safety and risk concerns through the Patient Safety Learning System. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Eligible for completion of BC Provincial Opiate Addiction Treatment Support Program course and approved related preceptorship. Two years recent related experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of substance use and harm reduction strategies including assessment and intervention, current pharmacological approaches to substance use treatment and treatment/recovery. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in working with persons who use substances. Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources and services available for clients experiencing substance use challenges. Comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a patient and family-centred model of care. Ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments and provide nursing care through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions including crisis intervention. Knowledge of counselling and group facilitation skills. Ability to independently manage and prioritize caseload/workload and make decisions regarding care interventions. Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for diverse populations, including individuals who use substances. Demonstrated de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. Knowledge and skill in working with Trauma Informed practice. Demonstrated ability to model and mentor new staff and students. Clinical proficiency in the designated clinical area. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently and to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interdisciplinary care team. Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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