Registered Practical Nurse, Forensic Psychiatry Program

St. Joseph's Health Care, London; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Ontario is seeking Registered Practical Nurses for their Forensic Psychiatry Program. This part-time position offers a salary range of $38.80 to $39.19 per hour. Successful candidates will work with clients with severe mental illness and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. Essential qualifications include registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario and experience in mental health. New graduates are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Qualifications

• Registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Must possess valid CPR certification.
• Experience with patients with severe mental illness preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to clients with mental illness.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members.
• Engage in teaching and research activities.

Skills

Valid registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario

Proficiency in pharmacology

Experience in mental health nursing

Effective communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

Diploma in Nursing

Job description

Registered Practical Nurse, Forensic Psychiatry Program - 4 positions

Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care – St. Thomas, ON
Part Time
Salary Range: $38.80 – $39.19 /hour

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 services’ 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 with an interdisciplinary team, the successful candidate will provide nursing care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness who have come into conflict with the law. New graduate nurses are eligible to obtain their temporary or general license with the College of Nurses of Ontario and are encouraged to apply. This is an exciting opportunity for new graduate nurses 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 ability to respond 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
• Ability to travel within the catchment area
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in mental health
• Completion of courses in psychiatric nursing
• Proficiency in French is considered an asset

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

Posting date: January 21, 2026
Submission deadline: January 27, 2026

Michelle Robertson, Human Resources