Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurse (WHIN) Coordinator Program Guideline and Model of Care.

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The prioritisation framework below serves as a reference for the wellbeing nurse regarding recommended response times for concerns identified by the wellbeing nurse. These response times are used in conjunction with clinical judgement and consultation with clinical personnel and the school’s learning and support and wellbeing team.

Recommended response time for identified concerns

Priority level 1

Identified concern

  • Reported suicidal ideation
  • Disclosure of violence, abuse or neglect

Recommended response time

Immediate

Priority level 2

Identified concern

  • Acute escalation of anxiety, depression, eating disorder
  • Acute deterioration in behaviour or presence of psychotic symptoms
  • Risk of self harm
  • Homelessness
  • Risk of significant harm/risk of removal from home

Recommended response time

Within 24 hours

Priority level 3

Identified concern

  • Self-neglect, depression, anxiety, existing mental health disorders
  • New or escalating behavioural issues such as disordered behaviour or aggression
  • Pregnancy
  • Unprotected sexual activity, risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
  • Historical reports of violence, abuse and neglect
  • Health pathways for return to school with medical conditions
  • Risk of homelessness
  • Family loss, separation, change in living conditions

Recommended response time

Within 5 days

Priority level 4

Identified concern

  • Undiagnosed development delays/concerns
  • Vision/hearing/dental growth concerns
  • Existing behavioural challenges
  • Multiple service referrals for health concerns with limited active engagement
  • Parenting support
  • Problematic and harmful sexualised behaviours
  • Sexuality or gender diversity concerns
  • Disordered eating

Recommended response time

Within 3 weeks

Priority level 5

Identified concern

  • Risk taking behaviours e.g. vaping, smoking, excessive or problematic gaming
  • Parent education
  • Support to access health promotion
  • Support to access group health screening/assessments (e.g. vision, hearing)
  • Support to access services for weight management
  • Promotional events and resource development

Recommended response time

Within 4 – 6 weeks

If at any stage of the client’s journey, the wellbeing nurse determines the client is at immediate risk of harm, e.g. active suicide attempts/ self-harm, the wellbeing nurse calls Triple Zero (000) and/or follows the school emergency procedure.

Mental health

The wellbeing nurse does not provide mental health diagnostic assessment or treatment. The wellbeing nurse can apply the Mental Health Continuum to determine level of mental health needs and refer accordingly.

The wellbeing nurse develops and maintains referral pathways and connections so they can appropriately refer students for mental health services and supports. Their referral network includes:

  • School staff:
    • school counselling staff
    • Student Support Officers
  • Department of Education:
    • Networked Specialist Facilitators
    • Delivery Support Teams
  • NSW Health:
    • School-Link Coordinators
    • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
  • Other non-Government and private providers.

If the wellbeing nurse identifies the client may need mental health support, the wellbeing nurse can contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 to determine an appropriate response and services that might be best for the client.

Current as at: Thursday 25 July 2024