Community Psychiatric Nurse – Primary Care 2

Job/Role Summary

• Managing a defined caseload
• Health education
• Therapeutic interventions
• Planning and implementing care plan
• Multi-disciplinary cooperation and communication
• Effective time management
• Personal development
• Clinical record keeping
• Evaluating and reviewing care programs

Specific qualifications and experience required

• Registered Mental Health Nurse on part 3 of the register
• Minimum of two years experience post-registration
• Full driving license and access to a car

Career Milestones

An opportunity arose for me to take part in a secondment to a community nursing setting which enabled me to widen my experience and enhance existing skills and knowledge. During this time my confidence increased both personally and professionally and this period of time then prompted me to look at other areas of my profession and chosen career direction that I might like to explore. This provided me with development opportunities into the post I am in today.

What attracted you to this job?

• The post offered new challenges
• The post provided me with further opportunities for professional development
• Greater flexibility in terms of hours worked and leave

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Flexible nature of the post
• Greater autonomy within my role
• Not constantly being in the situation of having to deal with patients in the most acutely unwell phase of their illness

Important success factors

• Good communication skills both verbal and written
• Continuous opportunities to develop skills and knowledge base
• Line management and peer-group support working in an environment where everyone is constantly learning

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

It would be helpful for you to speak to a number of people who are in similar posts like this. You might want to think about applying for a temporary secondment to give you an idea of what is involved in the post/ role. It would be helpful for you to explore the opportunities for further educational and professional development available to you when in post.

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

• Effective caseload management
• Increase in computer skills
• Broader understanding of the organizational structure and Trust strategies

Career Profiles