Senior Nurse

Job Overview

The Mental Health Lounge Assessment Service at Hillingdon Hospital also known as the Lighthouse provides a consultation and assessment service for all patients over the age of 18 years who present in a mental health crisis. This service functions as a dedicated 24/7 alternative to A&E for individuals requiring urgent mental health support.

The role involves biopsychosocial assessment, management and review of all adult patients over the age of 18 years (including over 65s) as part of your day-to-day clinical activity. As a member of a large multidisciplinary team, the types of referral that you would expect to receive would include; Deliberate self-harm, Disorders of mood - depression, anxiety, mania, Psychotic illness, and Associated substance misuse issues and withdrawals.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as a key member of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Lounge Service. The work will involve the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of mental health needs in a diverse patient population, including risk assessment and the development of risk management plans.

You will be required to make clear autonomous decisions based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgements based on available treatment options, including those related to admission and discharge planning.

Your interpersonal skills will be expected to be excellent and you must be able to confidently communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing. You must be able to demonstrate de-escalation skills with challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile situations.

The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly within the team. The working hours will be a combination of rotational shift working (long day shifts and nights shifts) to ensure a 24/7 service is provided.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. CNWL is recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Please review the Job description for more information about the role.

The role involves biopsychosocial assessment, management and review of all adult patients over the age of 18 years (including over 65s) as part of your day-to-day clinical activity. As a member of a large multidisciplinary team, the types of referral that you would expect to receive would include; Deliberate self-harm, Disorders of mood - depression, anxiety, mania, Psychotic illness, and Associated substance misuse issues and withdrawals.

The post holder will work as a key member of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service. The work will involve the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of mental health needs in a diverse patient population, including risk assessment and the development of risk management plans. You will be required to make clear autonomous decisions based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgements based on available treatment options, including those related to admission and discharge planning. Your interpersonal skills will be expected to be excellent and you must be able to confidently communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing. You must be able to demonstrate de-escalation skills with challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile situations.

Person specification

Education And Qualifications

Essential criteria

• NMC Registered Nurse or Registered Social Worker

Previous Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant psychiatric liaison or community crisis team experience
• Evidence of ability to effectively lead an effective shift in a busy and acute environment
• Experience in the management of psychiatric emergencies

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of recent legislation and guidelines affecting crisis services.

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of Clinical Governance
• Ability to use IT systems

Attitudes, Aptitudes & Personal Characteristics

Essential criteria

• Experience of effective communication with other agencies at a variety of levels
• Ability to manage resources effectively.

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