Assistant Head Nurse

Alberta Health Services; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services organization in Calgary is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Nurse to lead patient care and mentor staff in a forensic psychiatry setting. Responsibilities include staff assignments, patient flow, and advocacy for nursing standards. Candidates must have extensive clinical experience in mental health, including work in inpatient settings, and be eligible for registration with Alberta's nursing boards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years clinical experience in Mental Health.
• Minimum of 5 years in an inpatient forensic setting.
• Minimum 5 years as a charge nurse for a mental health inpatient unit.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and mentorship in patient care.
• Coordinate and facilitate activities related to patient care.
• Act as a role model and clinical resource for nursing staff.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to manage a fast-paced service

Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team

In-depth knowledge of NCR-MD population

Experience in mental health treatment modalities

Education

Completion of an accredited nursing education program

Active or eligible registration with CRNA

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS-HCP)

Job description

Your Opportunity

The Assistant Head Nurse reports directly to the Manager of the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre (SAFPC). The successful candidate is responsible to provide leadership and mentorship in the planning, coordination, implementation and facilitation of various activities/tasks related to patient care withing the SAFPC inpatient Assessment Unit and the Not Criminally responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCR-MD) treatment unit. This leadership role promotes quality patient care, implementation of operational priorities and enhances relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

Description

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Qualified Candidates

• Completion of an accredited nursing education program.
• Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

Additional Required Qualifications

• Active or eligible registration with College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage the workings of a fast-paced service in a flexible manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a complex service delivery system with an interdisciplinary team that includes a staff mix of professional.
• Ability to establish priorities and flexibility to adjust those as needed by the service demands.
• In-depth knowledge and experience relating to the Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCR-MD) population and the Criminal Code Review Board (CCRB).
• In-depth knowledge and experience related to mandated court ordered assessments, emergency admissions, temporary absences and day assessments.
• Working knowledge of the DSM-V.
• Minimum of 5 years clinical experience in Mental Health required.
• Minimum of 5 years in an inpatient forensic setting.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a charge nurse (days/evenings/nights) for a mental health inpatient unit.
• Previous experience with various treatment modalities in mental health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Within the last 5 years, 1-3 years proven skills and experience in psychiatric assessment, medical assessment and crisis intervention.
• Familiarity of the expectations of medical capabilities within mental health and be able to provide treatment as directed, assess potential difficulties, and respond to medical emergencies.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Training and current certification.
• Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS).
• Demonstrates an understanding of Change Management.