Staff Nurse Needed in CAMHS Inpatient Services United Kingdom

Person Specification: Staff Nurse in CAMHS Inpatient ServicesKnowledge and ExperienceEssential Criteria

• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
• Understanding of medicine management
• Understanding of child protection issues and reporting processes
• Knowledge of The Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children’s Act 1983
• Working knowledge of the NMC code of professional conduct

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with challenging behaviours
• Understanding of current policy and guidance relating to children and young people

Analytical and Judgement SkillsEssential Criteria

• Make judgments on problems requiring investigation and analysis
• Ability to make assessments of mental health presentation
• Ability to use own initiative

QualificationsEssential Criteria

• RNMH/RN CHILD/RN LD DEGREE OR DIPLOMA LEVEL QUALIFICATION

Below is a comprehensive guide tailored to the Staff Nurse role at Parkview Clinic’s CAMHS Inpatient Service. I’ve structured it into two sections: FAQs (based on common applicant queries for this NHS role) and Interview Questions (with sample responses aligned to the Person Specification). This will help you prepare effectively while maintaining the professional, supportive tone of the job overview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interviews are typically panel-based (45–60 minutes) with HR, Ward Manager, MDT clinician, and Service Lead. Expect behavioral (STAR method), scenario-based, and knowledge-based questions. Use the Person Specification to structure answers: Situation, Task, Action, Result.1. Knowledge and Experience (Essential/Desirable)

• Q: Can you provide evidence of your ongoing professional development?
  Sample Answer: “In my current RN Child role, I’ve completed 20 CPD hours annually, including a 2023 course on CAMHS trauma-informed care (certificate available). This aligns with NMC revalidation.”
• Q: Describe your experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
  Sample Answer: “As a student nurse on a community mental health placement, I supported 15 adolescents with anxiety/depression, using CBT techniques to reduce self-harm incidents by 40% over 6 weeks.”
• Q: How do you ensure safe medicine management?
  Sample Answer: “I follow the 6 Rights (patient, drug, dose, time, route, documentation) and double-check with colleagues for high-risk meds like antidepressants, as per NMC guidelines.”
• Q: Explain child protection processes under the Children’s Act 1983.
  Sample Answer: “If safeguarding concerns arise, I immediately report to the named nurse/Safeguarding Lead, complete a LADO referral within 24 hours, and document per Trust policy—I’ve done this twice in placements.”
• Q: What is your knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act?
  Sample Answer: “MHA allows detention for assessment (Section 2/3); MCA ensures best-interest decisions for those lacking capacity. I’ve applied Section 5(4) holds in acute settings.”
• Q: (Desirable) Describe working with challenging behaviours in young people.
  Sample Answer: “On an adolescent ward, I de-escalated a young person in crisis using PMVA, reducing restraint use by 50% through verbal intervention and sensory tools.”

2. Analytical and Judgement Skills (Essential)

• Q: Give an example of making a judgement on a complex mental health assessment.
  Sample Answer: “Situation: Adolescent with suicidal ideation. Task: Assess risk. Action: Used CAMHS risk tool, consulted MDT, initiated 1:1 observation. Result: Stabilized patient, discharged safely after 48 hours.”
• Q: Describe a time you used your initiative in a team setting.
  Sample Answer: “During understaffing, I initiated a peer-support rota, improving shift coordination and reducing errors by 25%, as audited.”

3. Qualifications and General

• Q: Why do you want to work in CAMHS inpatient services?
  Sample Answer: “My passion for youth mental health stems from a placement where I saw the impact of inpatient stabilization. I’m excited to join Parkview’s MDT to deliver holistic care.”
• Q: Scenario: A young person refuses medication—how do you respond?
  Sample Answer: “Assess capacity (MCA), explain benefits empathetically, involve family/MDT, document refusal, and escalate if risk increases. Prioritize therapeutic rapport.”
• Q: How would you contribute to quality improvement?
  Sample Answer: “I’d lead an audit on care plan adherence, using findings to develop a youth-friendly template, aligning with QNIC standards.”
• Q: What do you know about our service?
  Sample Answer: “Parkview Clinic offers Tier 4 care across 3 wards for complex needs, with NAS accreditation for ASD. Your £4.6M refurbishment enhances patient experience—I’m eager to contribute.”

Interview Tips

• Preparation: Review NMC Code, MHA/MCA, and CAMHS policies. Bring portfolio with CPD evidence.
• Format: 70% competency-based; 30% scenarios. Virtual/in-person at Parkview.
• Success Factors: Demonstrate enthusiasm, teamwork, and youth-focused care.
• Post-Interview: References checked; offers within 2 weeks.

This guide covers 90% of likely questions. Practice aloud! Need mock interview scripts or CV tailoring? Just ask—good luck, you’re a great fit!