Clinical Nurse Consultant - Alcohol & Other Drugs - EMAAP

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About the ED Mental Health & AOD Response at Monash Health (EMAAP- Emergency Mental Health, AOD, Allied, Peer Team) 

The MMC Emergency Department has introduced a new inter professional team which brings together clinicians from mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD), Social Work and Lived Experience to provide specialised and integrated care to patients presenting to the ED with high acuity mental health and AOD issues, and complex psychosocial needs. This service is called the Mental Health and AOD Response or EMAAP and is located within the emergency department. The team will provide a seven day a week, extended hours service. 

About The Role 

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) role presents a fantastic opportunity to join the team in the ED. The AOD CNC aims to enhance the quality of care for people presenting to the Clayton Emergency Department with MH or Behavioural Health issues through clinical leadership, collaboration, consultation and support of ED clinicians. The AOD CNC is responsible for providing clinical leadership and expertise in evidenced-based person centred care at an advanced nursing practice level. The AOD CNC will utilize advanced clinical nursing knowledge and skills to influence the co-ordination of quality care within the ED setting for the target population. They are accountable and responsible for their own clinical practice and provide support and direction to the inter-disciplinary team. 

• Establish strong positive and professional working relationships with ED medical and nursing staff, Emergency Psychiatric Services (EPS) clinicians, addiction medicine and other staff incorporated into the ED Response Model of care including peer support workers and allied health. 

• Liaise, educate and coordinate with Monash Health ED staff members to ensure clinical efficacy and appropriateness of care for patients with substance misuse issues. 

• Establish a professional and supportive relationship with the person who has an AOD/ Dual Diagnosis presentation to the ED and their family, carers and extended support network. 

• Undertake screening, assessment, therapeutic interventions, collaborative care planning and recommendations for treatment aimed at reducing the person’s substance related harms. 

• Conduct advanced, comprehensive and holistic health assessment of people presenting with substance misuse or concomitant AOD issues to Clayton ED incorporating: 

• the biological, psychological and social aspects of each individual person’s drug and/or alcohol issue 

• information about the physiological aspects of drug and alcohol use based on individual patient blood results and physical symptoms 

• the development and implementation of AOD/Dual Diagnosis care plans 

• Collateral information from family, carers, GP and other relevant people within the person’s formal and informal support network.  

• Provide assertive outreach and engagement with identified consumers for up to 28 days following discharge from the ED to facilitate referral and access to community supports consistent with the person’s goals. 

• Carry a small clinical caseload and provide person-centred AOD services for consumers, their families and carers, in line with professional standards and organisational guidelines. 

• Develop partnerships and referral pathways with relevant community agencies to facilitate timely discharge from ED and community linkages. 

• Provide referral pathways to counselling for patients that may be either motivated or ambivalent to modify their lifestyle to change their drug and/or alcohol use 

• Refer to outpatient clinics for patients with primary drug and alcohol issues, and for patients with concomitant drug and/or alcohol issues 

• Integrates the concept of recovery into practice, promoting choice and self-determination within medico-legal requirements and duty of care 

About You 

You are an experienced nurse who holds a postgraduate qualification in AOD specific studies and are registered with AHPRA. You are able to demonstrate advanced AOD clinical assessment skills and have experience working in acute health settings and/or the emergency department. You possess excellent communication skills and have proven leadership qualities. You have a passion for improving the experience of care for people in crisis and delivering services that respect the individual's rights, preserves their dignity, and promotes recovery and inclusion. You are also an advocate of Monash Health's Strategic Guiding Principles. 

Monash Health employee benefits: 

• Salary packaging 

• Onsite subsidised staff parking 

• Discounted banking (BankVic) 

• Onsite Gym 

• Access to professional development courses and seminars 

For a confidential discussion, please contact Benjamin Meiklem, Manager - Mental Health/ AOD Hub on 0409 451 160.

For the Position Description, please click here!

For the Position Attachment, please click here!

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards. At Monash Health we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence and work to our six guiding principles and our five ICare values.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’

Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date. 

Applications close on 27 June 2024.