Registered Practical Nurse

Focus Forward Health; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary mental health clinic is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) for their Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) team. The ideal candidate will ensure client safety, provide compassionate care, and collaborate with a diverse team. Applicants should be licenced with the College of Nurses of Ontario and possess a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience. The role offers scheduling flexibility and competitive compensation of $35-$40 per hour.

Benefits

Flexible scheduling

Full scope nursing and growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive paid KAP training

Collaborative team environment

Modern clinic spaces

Career opportunities in mental health

Qualifications

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-session medical checks and monitor client well-being.
• Prepare and administer ketamine in accordance with standards.
• Provide compassionate nursing support and reassure clients.
• Act as first medical responder for any adverse reactions.
• Maintain clinical documentation of observations and responses.
• Collaborate with team members for seamless client care.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Patient monitoring

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Medication skills

Education

Licensure with the College of Nurses of Ontario

Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience

Job description

Job Title: Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) – Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Team

Location: In Person (Stittsville / Kanata / Ottawa, ON)

Clinic: Focus Forward Health

Type: Casual Independent Contractor

Compensation: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

About Us

Focus Forward Health is a leading multidisciplinary mental health clinic in Ottawa with a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care. We’ve expanded our clinical services to include Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), integrating traditional talk therapy with emerging psychedelic medicine to support clients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout.

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and detail-oriented Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to be a cornerstone of our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) medical team.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of mental health care, applying your core nursing skills in an innovative, evidence-based setting. As the RPN, you will be the primary medical support for clients during their KAP sessions, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being.

You will work collaboratively with our clinical director, psychotherapists, and the wider clinical team to deliver a safe, supportive, and transformative client experience.

Full training and certification in KAP is provided—no prior psychedelic therapy experience is required. Prior experience with ketamine administration is an asset.

Key Nursing Responsibilities

• Client Safety & Monitoring: Conduct pre-session medical checks, including vital signs. Monitor client well-being and vitals (e.g., heart rate, BP, O2 saturation) throughout the ketamine session and during the immediate recovery period.
• Medication Management: Prepare and administer ketamine (via IN spray or other routes as directed by the Medical Director) in accordance with CNO standards and clinic protocols.
• Client-Centred Support: Provide compassionate, trauma-informed nursing support and reassurance to clients during their sessions. Help maintain a calm, quiet, and safe environment.
• Medical Response: Act as the first medical responder to manage any adverse reactions, side effects, or client discomfort, escalating to the on-site Medical Director as needed.
• Clinical Documentation: Maintain precise and timely clinical charting of all medical observations, medication administration, and client responses in the electronic medical record.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the multidisciplinary team (psychotherapists, MDs) to ensure seamless client care, including pre-session prep and post-session hand-off to the client's therapist.
• Clinic Preparedness: Assist with managing the inventory of medical supplies, setting up treatment rooms, and upholding all infection control and safety standards.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Licensure: Registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Practical Nurse.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience. Experience in mental health, acute care, post-operative, community, or clinic nursing is a strong asset. (Qualified New Grads encouraged to apply)
• Clinical Skills: Strong clinical assessment, patient monitoring, and documentation skills.
• Medication Skills: Proficiency and confidence in administering medications.
• Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must be calm, grounded, and able to provide non-anxious reassurance to clients.
• Mindset: A strong interest in mental health and innovative treatments.
• Core Values: A deep commitment to compassionate, client-centred, inclusive, and stigma-free care.

What We Offer

• True Scheduling Flexibility: This is a key feature of the role. We build your part-time or full-time schedule based on the availabilities you provide, making it ideal for balancing other professional or personal commitments.
• Full Scope Nursing & Growth: We are actively expanding our nursing-led services. You will have the unique opportunity to help shape this new program and will be supported to work to your full scope of practice.
• Competitive Compensation: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour.
• Comprehensive Paid KAP Training: You will receive full training and certification to become a specialist in this emerging field.
• A Collaborative Team: Work as a respected member of a multidisciplinary team that includes psychotherapists, psychologists, a clinical director, RPNs, personal trainers, and nutritionists.
• Beautiful Environment: Work in our modern, beautifully designed clinic spaces in Stittsville and Hazeldean.
• Career Opportunity: Be part of an exciting and rapidly growing area of mental health care in Canada, making a profound difference in clients' lives.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to [e-mail]

Subject line: RPN – KAP Clinic Ottawa