Registered Practical Nurse- Forensic Assessment & Triage Unit

CAMH; Toronto; On-site; CAD 92,870,000 - 109,693,000; Full time

Job summary

CAMH is seeking an experienced Registered Practical Nurse to join an interprofessional clinical team providing client-centred psychiatric and general nursing care. The RPN will participate in assessments, care planning, implementation, and ongoing clinical communication while adhering to professional standards and organizational policies.

The role emphasizes collaboration, risk management, documentation, crisis intervention, and education of students within a diverse and inclusive environment at

Qualifications

• CNO registered and in good standing.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) certification.
• Medication administration certification or completion of an RPN program that includes medication administration.
• Knowledge of psychiatric nursing and/or addiction-related care.

Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing clinical assessments including mental status, physical assessments, and behavioural observations.
• Monitor and evaluate clients responses to interventions.
• Identify changes in client condition and respond using clinical judgment.
• Provide psychiatric and general nursing care in a safe, respectful manner.
• Collaborate with the interprofessional team to develop, implement, and evaluate care plans.
• Support recovery‑oriented client‑centred care.
• Apply crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Intervene in situations with disturbed or high‑risk behaviour.
• Complete accurate clinical documentation.
• Communicate effectively with the interprofessional team.
• Share observations to support continuity of care.
• Contribute to program development and quality improvement.
• Provide education and supervision to students.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interprofessional teamwork

Documentation skills

Computer literacy

Diversity and inclusion sensitivity

Education

CNO registration

BCLS/CPR certification

Medication administration certification or RPN program with medication administration

Psychiatric nursing knowledge

Job description

Job Description

The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) is a member of an interprofessional clinical team and provides client-centred psychiatric and general nursing care to individuals with mental health and/or addiction issues. The RPN practices in accordance with professional nursing standards, relevant legislation, and organizational policies, while ensuring the safety, dignity, and security of the care environment. Using a collaborative nursing model, the RPN contributes to assessment, care planning, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing clinical communication.

Client Care & Clinical Assessment

• Perform ongoing clinical assessments, including mental status, physical assessments, and behavioural observations
• Monitor and evaluate clients responses to pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions
• Identify changes in client condition and respond appropriately using clinical judgment and evidence-based interventions
• Provide psychiatric and general nursing care in a safe, respectful, and dignified manner

Care Planning & Implementation

• Collaborate with the primary nurse and interprofessional team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized plans of care
• Support recovery-oriented, client-centred care aligned with assessed needs and priorities
• Apply crisis intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques when required
• Intervene effectively in situations involving disturbed or high-risk behaviour

Risk Management & Safety

• Ensure the safety and security of the client care environment
• Develop, implement, and monitor risk management plans as required
• Ensure compliance with legal, clinical, and safety-related care directives
• Apply sound knowledge of risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate, timely, and professional clinical documentation
• Communicate consistently and effectively with members of the interprofessional team
• Share relevant clinical observations to support continuity of care and treatment planning

Interprofessional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively within a diverse interprofessional team
• Contribute nursing expertise to clinical discussions, care planning, and service delivery
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and accountability

Program Development, Education & Student Support

• Contribute to program development and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide education, guidance, and supervision to students as required
• Support learning and professional development within the clinical environment

Professional Practice & Workplace Responsibilities

• Practice in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) standards, relevant legislation, and organizational policies
• Demonstrate professionalism, critical thinking, organization, and self-direction
• Support a healthy, inclusive, and respectful workplace that values diversity and teamwork
• Utilize computer-based systems for documentation and communication
• Participate in rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and extended shifts as required

Qualifications

• Registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) certification
• Medication administration certification or completion of an RPN program that includes medication administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric nursing and/or addiction-related care
• Ability to perform mental status, behavioural, and physical assessments
• Demonstrated ability to manage and intervene in situations involving disturbed behaviour
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively within an interprofessional team
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete accurate clinical documentation
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

Nice to Haves

• Experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or addictions
• Experience in forensic, recovery-oriented, or geriatric mental health settings
• Knowledge of forensic legal and health systems and risk assessment processes
• Experience with crisis intervention and recovery-oriented models of care
• Experience contributing to program development or quality improvement initiatives
• Experience supervising or supporting students
• Proficiency in a second language and/or bilingualism (French/English)

Salary Range: $32.42 – $38.33 per hour

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

About Us

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at: www.camh.ca.