Registered Practical Nurse - M2

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph's Health System (SJHS) in Ontario seeks a Registered Practical Nurse to join the Forensic Psychiatry Program. The RPN provides basic assessments, treatments, and supportive care under RN direction, with a focus on reducing restraints and enhancing patient safety.

Candidates must be currently registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario and have a recognized RPN education. Forensic experience and crisis intervention skills are highly valued in a multidisciplinary team across day,

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is required.
• Provincially recognized educational program for Registered Practical Nurses required.
• Certificate in Mental Health Nursing preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of recent clinical experience in psychiatric mental health nursing; forensic psychiatric nursing preferred.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act and related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic assessment and treatments within the nursing team.
• Deliver preventative, educational and supportive care under direction.
• Participate in risk reduction, de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Document care and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Psychiatric nursing

CPI – Crisis Prevention Training

Communication skills

Documentation

Forensic nursing knowledge

BCLS/HCP certification

Basic computer skills

Education

Registration as RPN with CNO

Provincially recognized RPN education

Mental Health Nursing certificate preferred

Tools

MS Word

Electronic patient information systems

Data entry

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR01724Department:Forensic General Mountain 2This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)Job Type:Regular, Full timeContract Duration: (If applicable)0 monthsNumber of Positions:1Union:CUPE Local 786Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$35.91 - $39.02ScheduleWork Days:Monday to SundayTime of Day:Days, Evenings, NightsShift:Hours -12Shift Start: (If applicable)AM 07:00, PM 19:00Reason for Posting:Posting is for a role with an existing vacancyApplication DatesOpening Date:2026-08-20Closing Date:2026-08-27Job DescriptionUnit Profile:The Forensic Psychiatry Program work 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 Nurse 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 organization 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.St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values .We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]).