Registered Nurse - R1 Primary & M1 Secondary

SJH St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 57,000 - 81,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHH) in Canada is seeking a Registered Nurse for the Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) at the West 5th Campus.

This temporary, part-time role supports care for patients with acute mental health needs, with days and nights across a 5-month contract. You will perform assessments, plan and evaluate treatments, and collaborate with an inter-professional team while supporting trauma-informed, person-centered care.

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is required.
• BCLS/HCP certification is required.
• CPI - Crisis Prevention Training or equivalent required.
• Experience in mental health nursing with knowledge of MH Act and related laws preferred.
• Experience with trauma-informed care and de‑escalation strategies.
• Proficient teamwork and leadership within inter-professional settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic nursing care for patients with complex mental illness.
• Complete assessments, plans and organize treatment/therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with inter-professional team; rotate as charge nurse as scheduled.
• Adhere to MHAP standards and trauma-informed care principles.

Skills

Mental health nursing

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

Interprofessional collaboration

Leadership potential

Education

Current RN license in Ontario

BCLS/HCP certification

CNA CPMHN certification preferred

Tools

RAI-MH training

Job description

Position Details

Position Details
Job Number: JR02143
Department: Acute Mental Health Unit Orchard 1
This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)
Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term), Part time
Contract Duration: (If applicable) 5 months
Number of Positions: 1
Union: ONA Local 75
Hourly Rate (Min / Max): $41.15 - $58.98
Schedule Work Days: Monday to Sunday
Time of Day: Days, Nights
Shift: Hours -12
Shift Start: (If applicable)
Reason for Posting: Posting is for a new role
Application Dates Opening Date: 2026-10-06
Closing Date: 2026-10-13

Unit Profile

The Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) located at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th Campus provides mental health care to patients suffering from acute symptoms of mental disorders. We have a complete interdisciplinary team available to meet the varied needs of our patients. Our goal is to assess and stabilize patients, and to reintegrate them back into the community at optimal levels of functioning.

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse provides care for patients in accordance with the mission, vision and values of SJHH and the Mental Health and Addiction Program (MHAP), the standards of practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, and the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nursing (CFMHN) Standards. Nurses in the MHAP are committed to the alleviation of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addiction, as well as reduction of the use of seclusion and restraint in all our services. The principles of person-centred nursing, recovery and trauma informed care is foundational to this specialized nursing practice. As a member of the inter-professional team, the RN is responsible for the provision of quality, holistic, specialized nursing care for patients with complex mental illnesses. The RN provides safe, evidence-based therapeutic interventions across the care continuum. The RN completes assessments, plans and organizes treatment/therapeutic interventions, documents and evaluates interventions. The RN models professional leadership and provides decision-making support by collaborating and delegating within the inter-professional team. The opportunity to rotate through a 1-2 year term as charge nurse is available and provides excellent leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario required.
• CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CPMHN(c)), or commitment to complete within 5 years of hire as a condition of employment, is preferred
• Current BCLS/HCP certification required.
• CPI - Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) is required.
• Minimum of one year of recent mental health nursing experience with demonstrated knowledge, skill and ability in the care of patients with serious mental illness preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act, Consent and Capacity, and other legislation relevant to the practice of psychiatric/mental health nursing is required.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, professional standards and guidelines, SJHH corporate and departmental Policies and Procedures, including successful completion of WHMIS training.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, privacy legislation, and health record management processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the assessment and management of co-morbid medical disorders (ie. diabetes, metabolic monitoring, etc.)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Mental Status Examinations (MSE).
• Demonstrated knowledge of individual counseling and group skills (ie. DBT, MI, IPT, CBT, Behavioral Activation).
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management, including knowledge of trauma informed care and alternatives to seclusion and restraint, and associated risks.
• Knowledge and practice of safe and secure environment for clients/families/teams by listening, discussing, exploring, clarifying and acting on their concerns, needs and priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families.
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred.
• Proficient computer skills including successful completion of Resident Assessment Instrument - Mental Health (RAI-MH) training upon hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill related to crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership, superior problem solving, critical thinking skills and strong team building skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychopharmacology, including current psychotropic medications and side effects.

Note: Tours on the secondary Acute Mental Health Unit (M1) will be scheduled in conjunction with successful applicant’s Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) schedule and will be determined by the needs in both R1 and M1 and will include rotating shifts.

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]).

At St. Joe’s Hamilton, we believe in nurturing new talent, providing an inclusive and supportive work environment with meaningful growth opportunities, and exciting benefits and rewards. Whether you're passionate about providing compassionate care or eager to gain new skills, there’s a place here for you to grow, learn, and succeed! Dignity. Respect. Service. Justice. Responsibility. Enquiry.