Registered Practical Nurse - Mental Health-Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team

Brockville General Hospital; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Ottawa is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse for the Mental Health-Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team. This part-time role involves providing client-centered care, conducting mental health assessments, and offering crisis intervention support. Candidates must be registered nurses with qualifications in psychiatric nursing. This position requires flexibility for 12-hour rotating shifts and is essential in enhancing patient safety and overall care quality.

Qualifications

• Registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Experience in mental health nursing.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical services to patients in crisis.
• Conduct assessments and administer medications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for patient care.

Skills

Nursing assessments

Crisis intervention

Knowledge of mental health resources

Strong communication skills

Time management

Education

Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario

Completion of a Practical Nursing program

Post-diploma certification in psychiatric nursing

Valid BCLS certification

Job description

Career Opportunities with Brockville General Hospital

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Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Registered Practical Nurse - Mental Health-Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team - Part-Time

Department: Mental Health - Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team

Status: Part-Time

Department: Mental Health – Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team

Union Association: CUPE

Hours: 12 Hour Rotating Shifts

Salary: $35.90-$38.16/hour

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Mental Health Programs, the Registered Practical Nurse provides a full range of client‑centred clinical services, including responding to patients and families in crisis; completing clinical, physical, and risk assessments within their scope of practice; administering medications within competence; coordinating care; educating patients and families; advocating for patient needs; supporting discharge planning; and liaising with community partners.

As part of the Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team (ACERT), the Registered Practical Nurse functions as a key member of the team supporting patients presenting in crisis to the Emergency Mental Health Assessment and Care (EMAC) space. Responsibilities include timely psychosocial assessment within scope, crisis intervention, de‑escalation, suicide and violence risk screening, medication administration within competence, assisting with Code Whites, ensuring safe restraint and seclusion practices, collaborating with psychiatry and the ED team, supporting transitions to Inpatient Mental Health (IPMH), and participating in handovers from police or MCRT as required.

ACERT RPNs enhance communication between EMAC, ED, psychiatry, and IPMH; reduce duplicate assessments; and contribute to improved patient safety, flow, and overall care quality.

Practice is expected to align with CNO Standards of Nursing Practice, the Three‑Factor Framework (client, nurse, environment), and hospital policies. Ongoing competence is maintained through continuous education and active participation in the CNO Quality Assurance Program.

This role is subject to change as the ACERT model evolves.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Completion of a Practical Nursing program required
• Post‑diploma certification in psychiatric/mental health nursing considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience with risk assessments, suicide prevention, principles of crisis theory and intervention
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Valid BCLS certification
• Competency to administer naloxone in emergent situations
• Non‑Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training required
• Completion of Suicide Intervention Training and Crisis Management is considered an asset
• ASIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience working in a Mental Health program
• Proven ability to conduct nursing assessments, risk assessments, and suicide prevention
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills for both telephone and in‑person encounters
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in providing treatment to persons with acute and/or severe mental illness
• Knowledge of inpatient and community‑based mental health resources
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care
• Experience providing evidence‑based modalities such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution‑Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention/management
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, least restraint, RHPA, SDA, HCCA, PHIPA)
• Knowledge of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment methods
• Strong clinical assessment skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Experience working in a computerized environment
• Participation in research and continuous quality improvement
• Sensitivity to stigma experienced by those with psychiatric diagnoses
• Commitment to culturally diverse and 2SLGBTQ‑sensitive care
• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Excellent attendance and availabilityAbility to act as Code White Leader, apply and monitor restraints safely, conduct Mental Status Exams, document clinical assessments, coordinate transitions to IPMH, and communicate observation levels—core expectations within ACERT practice