Senior Nurse

Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others. There’s a place for you at CNWL. We’re passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient’s own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust.

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.

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 night shifts) to ensure a 24/7 service is provided.

Person specification:

• Education and Qualifications: NMC Registered Nurse or Registered Social Worker.
• Previous Experience: 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: Knowledge of recent legislation and guidelines affecting crisis services; An understanding of Clinical Governance; Ability to use IT systems; Experience of effective communication with other agencies at a variety of levels; Ability to manage resources effectively.

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working in our healthcare settings.