Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) – 1

Job/Role Summary

My role involves undertaking comprehensive assessment of clients in the community and liaising with members of the multidisciplinary team and non-statutory agencies.  I plan, implement and evaluate clients care plans with a person centred approach including families and cares were appropriate. Risk assessment and risk management plans are a fundamental part of my role, this involves positive risk taking.

Specific qualifications and experience required

Registered Mental Health Nurse (Part 3 of NMC Register)

3 years post registration experience in Mental Health nursing

Career Milestones

Moving from a Band 5 in the Adult Recovery Team to a Band 6 in the Older People’s Team was a great achievement for me.

What attracted you to this job?

I like the autotomy of being a Community Psychiatric Nurse and seeing people in their own home and how this can change the dynamics of the interaction as opposed to the hospital setting.

I have a great interest into how physical health can have an impact into a person’s mental health and I am aware this can be more of an issue for older people.

I was keen to get more managerial experience.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is visiting clients in their own home and supporting them in maintaining an independent life with support.

Working within a specialist team who are highly motivated, innovative and focused on improving client care in the community.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

It can be difficult to manage a large caseload and see clients as much as I would like

The paperwork required can often be overwhelming and effects face to face contact time.

Dealing with families who lack understanding of mental ill health can often be very challenging.

Important success factors

The on-going support from the multidisciplinary team

The support from management and supervision sessions

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

Be prepared for a lot of paper work and non-face to face client contact.  Be willing to work past the designated hours  at times of crisis and have the ability and confidence to manage risk on a daily basis.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

My assessment skills have enhanced greatly since taken up this post, particularly in the context of how physical and mental health are linked

Better communication skills within a wide range of mental illnesses

Better networking skills with non-statuary agencies

I have gained valuable managerial skills through care managing clients

Career Profiles