Nirmatha Arunthavam
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Trained mental health professional with direct experience in acute psychiatric care. Proficient in delivering evidence-based interventions within both high-dependency and low-dependency units, supporting individuals presenting with severe and complex psychopathology. Demonstrate strong clinical judgment, de-escalation techniques, and risk assessment skills in high-pressure environments. Adept at establishing therapeutic alliances with patients in acute distress, utilizing trauma-informed approaches and recovery-oriented principles to promote stabilization and engagement. Foundational knowledge in psychotropic medications, including their therapeutic indications, side effects, and monitoring requirements. Committed to ethical practice, clinical excellence, and ongoing professional development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Full-time Psychiatric Assistant
Tiaho Mai Adult Acute Psychiatric Ward (CMDHB), Te Whetu Tawera (ADHB) & Fraser McDonald Unit (Elderly Mental Health)
Auckland , Auckland
10.2020 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening and empathetic communication techniques, promoting therapeutic relationship.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans, enhancing quality of care for patients.
- Report to Clinical Charge Nurse, Psychiatric Consultant, Senior Psychiatrist and Psychologist on treatment plan.
- Assist psychiatrists in administering treatments for better patient outcomes and overall mental health improvement.
- Completed trainings in Mental Health Act 1&2, Te Whare Tapa Wha, CBT and DBT level 1.
- Mandatory learning completed in Advanced Life Support, Cultural training (Maori& Pacific), Disability Responsiveness, Health Literacy, Incident reporting system, Infection prevention & control, Privacy Acr, 2020; Health Information Privacy Code 2020, Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights.
- Promoted and practiced Dialectic Behaviour Therapy with patients.
- Coordinated recreational therapy activities that encouraged physical exercise, social engagement, and creative expression among patients.
- Observed patient behaviour closely, documenting progress or regression in treatment plans accordingly.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies during behavioural emergencies to maintain safety within the facility.
- Prevented potential escalation of patient crises through early identification and intervention using de-escalation techniques.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to stay current on best practices in psychiatric care delivery methods.
- Trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Acute Behaviour Guideline, Acceptance Commitment Therapy for Alcohol and Other Drugs. Sensory Modulation Expert.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families, fostering a positive therapeutic environment.
- Contributed to the development of evidence-based protocol updates for improved standardization of psychiatric care practices.
- Facilitate activities and group therapy sessions for increased social interaction and improved coping skills among patients alongside Psychologists and Occupational Therapists.
- Managed a caseload of diverse psychiatric patient populations, tailoring individualized care plans based on unique needs.
- Promoted Tikanga Maori values and practices in acute setting. Identifying cultural biases and gaps when working with Maori and Pasifika service users.
Health Care Assistant - MHSOP
Auckland District Health Board
05.2021 - 2024
- Supporting older people in acute mental health facility.
- Assisted with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating, and drinking, and mobility while observing and reporting specific changes.
- Facilitated Occupational Health treatment plans
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care to individuals with various health conditions.
- Played active role in delivering holistic care that addressed not only physical but also emotional well-being of patients under my supervision.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions, staying current with best practices in health care assistance.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing personal care services such as bathing, grooming, and toileting assistance.
- Ensured reliable communication between patients and healthcare providers by serving as an empathetic listener and effective advocate when necessary.
- Responded swiftly to emergency situations, providing prompt assistance while following established protocols until professional help arrived onsite.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated on healthcare best practices and emerging trends.
- Cultivated strong relationships with patients and families, fostering an environment of trust and open communication that facilitated better healthcare experiences.
- Supported needs of residents under long-term care.
Youth Worker for Neurodiverse Children
LifeKidz Trust Special Care Programme
01.2016 - 08.2019
- Promoted safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviours among youth.
- Organized and facilitated recreational activities to engage youth in positive, team-building experiences.
- Mentored new staff members to promote professional growth within team and ensure consistent service quality across all programs.
- Supervised children in residential and community-based programs.
- Trained new staff and volunteers in youth work best practices, ensuring high-quality support and services.
- Promoted positive peer interactions by facilitating group activities and modelling respectful communication techniques.
- Coordinated special events such as cultural celebrations or field trips that enriched participants'' experiences beyond traditional program offerings.
- Advocated for youth needs and interests in community forums, raising awareness and sparking positive change in public perceptions and policies.
- Completed my Honours Dissertation researching "Factors Predicting Stress in Parents caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder"
Entertainment Supervisor
Rainbows End
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Started as frontline staff member for Entertainment Department (2016)
- Promoted to Entertainment Supervisor (2018-2020) running team of 30 staff members.
- Fostered an inclusive work culture that promoted teamwork and collaboration amongst staff members.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback that supported their growth within the organization.
- Enhanced audience experience by managing high-quality entertainment productions and events.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols among staff members.
- Facilitated hiring, training and evaluation of staff.
- Monitored workers for performance, professionalism and service quality.
- Collaborated with creative teams to develop unique and engaging performances.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate of Proficiency - Psychology
Massey University
Palmerston North06.2025
Bachelor of Health Science - Psychology
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ01-2023
Skills
- Cultural Competence
- Mental health support
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Behaviour monitoring
- Problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Self-awareness
- Ethical practice
- De-escalation techniques
- Time management
Affiliations
- Fiji Medical camps (annually)
- Key Tasks:
- Patient monitoring
- Health promotion of lifestyle diseases.
- Helped educate local communities on Mental Wellness
- Worked alongside Psychitrist and Medical Treating team.
- Psychiatrist assistant, monitor and assist clients during therapy sessions.
- Project design to improve health literacy in the Indian and Fijian communities
Timeline
Health Care Assistant - MHSOP
Auckland District Health Board
05.2021 - 2024
Full-time Psychiatric Assistant
Tiaho Mai Adult Acute Psychiatric Ward (CMDHB), Te Whetu Tawera (ADHB) & Fraser McDonald Unit (Elderly Mental Health)
10.2020 - Current
Entertainment Supervisor
Rainbows End
06.2017 - 05.2019
Youth Worker for Neurodiverse Children
LifeKidz Trust Special Care Programme
01.2016 - 08.2019
Postgraduate Certificate of Proficiency - Psychology
Massey University
Bachelor of Health Science - Psychology
Auckland University of Technology
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