Registered Practical Nurse, Forensic Psychiatry Program

St. Joseph's Health Care London; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph's Health Care London is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse for the Forensic Psychiatry Program in St. Thomas. The role involves providing nursing care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness within an interdisciplinary team, focusing on assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

New graduate nurses eligible for CCPN are encouraged to apply. The position supports education and research activities and is based in the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care.

Qualifications

• Valid registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Valid CPR certificate.
• Proficiency and experience in pharmacology and medication administration.
• Experience and knowledge of the special needs and nursing care needs of clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Good working knowledge of mental health legislation.
• Must coordinate care collaboratively with the Registered Nurse and other multi-disciplinary team members as well as to function independently with clients with a predictable outcome.
• Demonstrated ability to apply and document the nursing process.
• Ability to relate therapeutically with clients.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively responding to psychiatric and physical emergencies and/or crisis situations.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility and strong organizational skills.
• Travel within the catchment area.
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Expand nursing assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation skills in forensic psychiatry.
• Support new graduate nurses and ongoing education within a multidisciplinary framework.

Skills

Pharmacology knowledge

Mental health law

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Documentation of nursing process

Crisis response

Communication skills

Education

Registration with College of Nurses of Ontario

Psychiatric nursing courses

Job description

Oct 24, 2026

CARING FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SINCE 1869

Registered Practical Nurse, Forensic Psychiatry Program - 1 position

Forensic Psychiatry Program
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care - St. Thomas, ON
Full Time
Salary Range: $39.96 - $40.37 /hour
St. Joseph’s Health Care is willing to consider applicants who are eligible for Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN). This program provides $25,000 in grant funding to eligible RPNs/RNs/ Nurse Practitioners in exchange for a two-year full-time commitment. To learn more about the Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN), please visit www.healthforceontario.ca/en/Home/All_Programs/Community_Commitment_Program_for_Nurses.
Note: This position is current assigned to Forensic Treatment Unit North (A2) however this is subject to change.
It is understood that the hours of work reflect the current scheduling arrangements and are subject to change as determined by the Employer.
The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health service professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The Forensic Psychiatry Program is also highly invested in both education and research and has various connections with the University of Western Ontario.
Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the successful candidate will provide nursing care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
New graduate nurses eligible to obtain their temporary or general class registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario are encouraged to apply. This is an exciting opportunity for a new graduate nurse looking to expand their nursing assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation skills in the field of Forensic Psychiatry. As part of a multidisciplinary team you will have the ability to develop your skills in a supportive environment.

Essential Qualifications

• Valid registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Valid CPR certificate
• Proficiency and experience in pharmacology and medication administration
• Experience and knowledge of the special needs and nursing care needs of clients with severe and persistent mental illness
• Good working knowledge of mental health legislation
• Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member
• Ability to coordinate care collaboratively with the Registered Nurse and other multi-disciplinary team members as well as to function independently with clients with a predictable outcome
• Demonstrated ability to apply and document the nursing process
• Ability to relate therapeutically with clients
• Demonstrated skills in effectively responding to psychiatric and physical emergencies and/or crisis situations
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated flexibility and strong organizational skills
• Ability to apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position
• Travel within the catchment area
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset.
• Minimum of one year experience in mental health
• Completion of courses in psychiatric nursing

Teaching and Research

• St. Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St. Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties

Immunization Requirements

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated.
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