Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Nurse to join our Mental Health Department. The Psychiatric Nurse will be responsible for assessing, supporting, and treating patients with mental health disorders, providing both medical and emotional care. The ideal candidate will be adept at creating a safe, supportive environment for patients, offering therapeutic support, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment plans.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Diagnosis
Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments to identify patient needs and formulate a care plan.
Monitor patients' mental and physical health status regularly, adjusting care plans as needed.
Work with patients and their families to understand diagnosis, treatment, and self-care techniques.
Therapeutic Support and Counseling
Provide individual and group therapy, counseling, and education to support recovery and management of mental health issues.
Utilize therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and de-escalation strategies.
Engage in patient advocacy, ensuring a compassionate, respectful approach to care.
Medication Management and Administration
Administer psychiatric medications and monitor for side effects, collaborating with psychiatrists and other healthcare providers.
Educate patients on medication regimens, ensuring adherence and understanding of potential side effects.
Maintain accurate documentation of all administered medications and patient responses in compliance with hospital policies.
Care Planning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Develop individualized care plans with input from the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team members.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, holistic care.
Participate in case conferences and review sessions to discuss patient progress and adjust care strategies.
Crisis Intervention and Emergency Care
Respond effectively to psychiatric emergencies, including suicide attempts, acute psychosis, or aggressive behavior, using de-escalation and crisis intervention skills.
Perform suicide risk assessments and develop safety plans for patients as needed.
Provide support and follow-up care for patients post-crisis to ensure stability and ongoing support.
Patient Education and Family Support
Educate patients and families on mental health management, coping strategies, and available community resources.
Offer guidance and support to families, ensuring they understand their role in the patient's recovery and long-term care.
Encourage family involvement in treatment and recovery planning to foster a supportive environment.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education:
Diploma or Degree in Nursing with a specialization or training in psychiatric or mental health nursing.
Current and valid nursing license from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in mental health or psychiatric care preferred.
Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Care (if applicable).
Strong communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills, especially with vulnerable patients.
Ability to remain calm and handle high-stress situations in crisis settings.
Knowledge of mental health disorders, therapeutic techniques, and best practices for psychiatric care.
Proficiency in documenting patient progress and maintaining confidentiality.