Registered Practical Nurse - Forensic Psychiatry (M2)

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ontario is hiring a Registered Practical Nurse to provide care for mentally disordered offenders. The role involves basic assessments, treatment, and support in a psychiatric setting. Candidates must have a current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario and at least one year of experience. The job includes rotating shifts and offers an hourly wage ranging from $35.12 to $38.16, plus additional benefits in lieu. A commitment to quality improvement and ongoing learning is essential.

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Minimum 1 year of recent clinical experience in psychiatric nursing.
• Competence in non-violent crisis interventions.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic assessment and treatments under RN's guidance.
• Commit to reducing the use of restraint and seclusion.
• Documentation according to standards.

Skills

Psychiatric nursing

Mental health knowledge

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Registered Practical Nurse program

Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

Job description

UNIT PROFILE:

The Forensic Psychiatry Program works towards restoring and maintaining the mental health and well-being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multi‑disciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals working together to provide a wide range of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services. In this capacity the Forensic Psychiatry Program provides: clinical, risk and medico‑legal assessments, inpatient treatments in general and secure environments, and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central‑South region and Halton.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The 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. Under direction from the Registered Nurse, basic knowledge, decision making and communication techniques are employed in providing nursing care to one or more mentally disordered offenders. The RPN will be committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario required.
• Successful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for Registered Practical Nurses required.
• Certificate in Mental Health Nursing preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of recent related clinical experience in psychiatric mental health nursing required; forensic psychiatric nursing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric nursing, mental health and mental illness required.
• Current BCLS/HCP certification required.
• Asepsis Techniques, and Medication Administration Certification required.
• CPI – Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practice.
• Knowledge base of major mental disorders and current treatment modalities, with knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to working with mentally disordered offenders.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment Tools (ie. HARM/AIS).
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families.
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred.
• Knowledge of therapeutic communication and counselling with a clear ability to apply knowledge to practice.
• Demonstrated ability to emphasize the interpersonal aspect of nursing such as: interest, empathy, honesty, non‑judgmental attitude and respect.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Demonstrated competence (knowledge/skills/attitude) in the use of non‑violent physical crisis interventions, trauma‑informed care and other best practices available to promote healing and recovery.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to set own workload priorities and document according to standards.
• Demonstrated excellent problem‑solving and organisation skills.
• Basic skill level with computers, MS Word, internet searches, data entry and patient information systems.
• Good work performance and attendance record is essential.
• An updated resume should accompany the application.

HOURS OF WORK:

Rotating shifts and extended hours – days, nights, weekends and holidays.

WAGE RATE:

Hourly: $35.12…$36.64…$38.16 (plus 14% in lieu of benefits).

St. Joseph’s Nursing Vision is to make a difference in the lives of those we care for, our organization, and the future of our community through achievement of excellence in nursing and commitment to a culture of nursing innovation, empowerment, leadership and accountability.

St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.