Overview
PCN Nursing Associate (Mental Health) role at NHS. An exciting opportunity for a Nurse Associate to join the Primary Care Network (PCN) Mental Health Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality mental health care across 9 GP practices.
Hours: 30 - 37.5 hours per week over 4 / 5 days, Monday to Friday.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including GPs and Mental Health Practitioners, providing compassionate and person-centred care for patients presenting with a range of mental health needs within primary care. This is a role to develop clinical skills in mental health within a supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of mental health care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Mental Health Practitioner.
* Carry out annual physical health checks for patients coded with Severe Mental Illness.
* Complete blood tests, observations, and ECGs prior to appointments with Practitioners.
* Work with patients to promote recovery, wellbeing, and self-management of their mental health.
* Support the monitoring of physical health for patients with mental health conditions.
* Participate in health promotion and prevention activities within the PCN.
* Contribute to multi-agency working and effective communication across the care system.
* Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure all care is delivered in line with local and national guidance.
Clinical Duties
* Support the holistic assessment of patients’ mental and physical health needs, escalating concerns as appropriate.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of individualised care plans.
* Support the monitoring of mental and physical health for patients with long-term mental health conditions.
* Deliver brief interventions, health promotion, and education to support wellbeing and self-management.
* Participate in the identification and management of patients at risk of mental health crisis, under supervision.
* Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with professional and organisational standards.
Teamwork and Communication
* Work collaboratively with GPs, Mental Health Practitioners, Care Coordinators, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Liaise with secondary care, community services, and voluntary sector partners to support joined-up care.
* Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and care reviews.
* Communicate sensitively and effectively with patients, carers, and families about care and treatment plans.
Professional and Personal Development
* Actively participate in supervision, appraisal, and reflective practice sessions.
* Maintain professional registration and comply with NMC standards for Nurse Associates.
* Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) and mandatory training requirements.
* Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives within the PCN.
Key Working Relationships
* PCN Mental Health Practitioners
* GP Practice Clinical Teams
* Social Prescribers, Health and Wellbeing Coaches, and Care Coordinators
* Community Mental Health Services (e.g. LPFT, if applicable)
* Voluntary and community sector organisations
* Patients, carers, and families
Scope and Accountability
* Work within the parameters of their professional competencies and NMC code.
* Work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Mental Health Practitioner but exercise autonomy in day-to-day tasks.
* Be accountable for their own actions and decisions within the scope of practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Registered Nurse Associate (NMC)
Desirable
* Additional training or CPD in mental health or primary care
Experience
Essential
* Experience working in health or social care settings
* Understanding of person-centred care and mental health awareness
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work as part of a team; IT and record-keeping skills
* Compassionate, motivated, organised, adaptable
Desirable
* Experience working in a mental health or primary care environment
* Knowledge of community services and integrated care pathways
Other Requirements
* Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required; submission to DBS as part of the recruitment process.
* UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
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