Purpose of the post        

The Staff Nurse Mental Health (Forensic) will assess, plan, implement and evaluate care to the highest professional and ethical standards within the model of nursing care practiced in that care setting.

Key reposnsibilities

·           Practice Nursing according to:

o  The Professional Code of Practice as laid down by the Nursing Board (An Bord Altranais).

o  Professional Clinical Guidelines

o  National and regional Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines

o  Local policies, protocols and guidelines

o  Current legislation as it applies to the role

·            Implement the care philosophy, objectives and goals of their unit / department / organisation to deliver appropriate high quality patient care

·            Follow appropriate lines of authority within the Nurse Management structure

·            Participate as an multi-disciplinary team member in all aspects of patient care

·            Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and assume responsibility for their own professional development and contribute to the development of others.

·            Promote good interpersonal relationships with patient, their family / social network supports and the multidisciplinary care team in accordance with ethical standards.

·            Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other areas of the service as required

·            Participate in regular performance / clinical reviews with their line manager, identifying key performance objectives and appropriate plans / measures to achieve areas for improvement and appropriate plans / measures to achieve them in a supportive environment.

·            Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, in relation to all hospital activities.

·            Professional Expectations: The nurse must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing Board (An Bórd Altranais).   The nursing profession demands a high standard of professional behaviour from its members and each registered nurse is accountable for his or her practice.  The nurse must work within his / her scope of practice and must take measures to develop and maintain the competence necessary for professional practice.  The nurse must be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to his/her area of practice.  Patient / client confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

·            Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards.

·            Staff will work in accordance with the principles and values of recovery as described in the National Framework for Recovery for Irish Mental Health Services 2018-2020.

·            To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Please view the full job description in the Additional Information section below