Registered Practical Nurse

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse to join the Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton. You will deliver basic nursing care, monitor withdrawal, provide psycho-educational sessions, and support discharge planning in a team-based setting.

The role requires an RPN program, current CNO registration, CPR certification, and familiarity with harm-reduction practices. This part-time position will involve day and night shifts at the Hamilton Downtown site.

Qualifications

• Provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Nurses in good standing (CNO).
• CPR certificate is required; CPI certification is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications and treatments; records observations per CNO standards.
• Maintains a safe environment and responds to medical emergencies; supports crisis situations.
• Conducts assessments, documentation, and inter-disciplinary reporting.
• Performs routine clinical procedures and monitors vital signs as directed.
• Collaborates with team for discharge planning, harm-reduction strategies, and patient education.

Skills

CPR certificate

Therapeutic communication

Harm reduction knowledge

Crisis management

Privacy and health records management

Education

RPN program

CNO registration

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR02523Department:Mens Addiction Service Hamilton MASHThis position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:Men’s Addiction Services Hamilton (Hamilton Downtown)Job Type:Regular, Part timeContract Duration: (If applicable)0 monthsNumber of Positions:1Union:CUPE Local 786Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$36.63 - $39.8ScheduleWork Days:Holidays, Monday to Sunday, WeekendsTime of Day:Days, NightsShift:Hours -12Shift Start: (If applicable)AM 07:00, PM 19:00Reason for Posting:Posting is for a role with an existing vacancyApplication DatesOpening Date:2026-10-20Closing Date:2026-10-27Job DescriptionUnit ProfileThe Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton is funded through the Ministry of Health and provides residential substance use withdrawal services and crisis support, as well as outpatient substance use support. Services are provided to males who are under the influence of a substance, in active withdrawal or in need of a temporary crisis admission. The RPN is part of a team which monitors withdrawal using standardized protocols, provides didactic and psycho-educational sessions, counseling sessions, substance use treatment, comprehensive discharge planning, shelter and housing support and pre-treatment and aftercare support services. Support and education are also provided to family members and other clinical supports.Position SummaryThe Registered Practical Nurse, under the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, functions as a member of the nursing team to provide basic assessment and treatments, preventative, educational and/or supportive care. Basic knowledge, decision making and communication techniques are employed in assessment, planning and implementing nursing care.QualificationsSuccessful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical NurseCurrent registration with the Ontario College of Nurses in good standingCPR certificateOne year experience working in an addictions specific setting is an assetExperience working with the Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practiceCPI certification is an assetCompletion of a certificate program in addictions/concurrent disorders from an accredited educational institution or willingness to complete upon hire within one yearTo have strong knowledge of evidence-based harm reduction practices and experience with implementation in practice.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.Knowledge of the assessment and management of co-morbid medical disorders (ie. diabetes, metabolic monitoring, etc.)Knowledge of psychiatric nursing, mental health and mental illnessKnowledge of therapeutic communication and counselling with a clear ability to apply that knowledge to practiceExcellent communication skills are required including the ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner with patientsAbility to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundariesDemonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional developmentExcellent problem-solving and organizational skillsAbility to set own workload priorities and document according to standardsBasic skill level with computers, MSWord, internet searches, data entry and patient information systemKnowledge of suicide, self-harm, and safety assessments is an assetKnowledge of harm reduction, relapse prevention techniques is an asset.ResponsibilitiesMaintains confidentiality and release of information in accordance with hospital policy at all timesObligation to review when necessary and adhere to applicable departmental and hospital policies and procedures at all timesAdministers medications and treatments, records observations as per CNO standards and hospital policiesMaintains a safe and secure environment including responding to medical emergencies, and rapidly changing situations; and initiate measures to relieve crisis or emergent situations.Performs clinical procedures as needed: vital signs monitoring, clinical monitoring, specimen collection, dressing changes, urine testing for glucose and acetone, etc., in accordance with CNO standards and hospital policy and proceduresConduct individual substance use/dependence histories/assessments and psychiatric and mental health assessments; collect and document client status; report status and changes in status to the inter-disciplinary team.Respond to medical emergencies, and rapidly changing situations; and initiate measures to relieve crisis or emergent situations.Manage clients' medications through the complete cycle of obtaining/liaising with the community pharmacy, verifying medication, dispensing medication, and ensuring onsite quality and safety of the medication reconciliation process, handling and monitoring for the program.Accompanies patients to other areas/departments as assigned and appropriateProvides oral, verbal, and written reports on patient progress to the appropriate care teams, healthcare workers, or external organizations (when needed and appropriate)Documentation of all relevant clinical information and interventions through Dovetale, RAI, and other relevant software or processes as per the hospital and departmental standardsPerforms related duties as assigned by the NP and/or physician or clinical manager or delegateDemonstrates competence (knowledge/skills/attitude) in the use of non-violent physical crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and other best practices available to promote healing and recoverSt. 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]).