Registered Practical Nurse - R2

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) in Hamilton, Ontario, is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse for a temporary (fixed-term) full-time position in the Schizophrenia Orchard 2 unit. The role supports adults with severe mental illness at the West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain).

The assignment runs for six months with rotating day and night shifts. The RPN must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, possess CPR and Asepsis/Meds administration credentials, and have or be pursuing

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is required.
• Provincial nursing education program for RPN is required.
• CPR certification is required.
• Minimum 1 year psychiatric/mental health nursing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and their treatments.
• Ability to document according to standards.
• Experience in a multidisciplinary team and client-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric nursing and specialized level care to adults with severe persistent mental illness.
• Assess plan implement nursing care with basic decision making and communication.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to promote recovery and reduce restraint use.
• Document accurately according to standards and maintain patient records.
• Utilize trauma-informed care and non-violent crisis intervention as needed.
• Engage with patients, families, and professionals to support individualized care plans.

Skills

Psychiatric nursing

Therapeutic communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Documentation standards

Non-violent crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Medication administration

CPR certified

Mental Health Act knowledge

Computers basics

Education

Registered Practical Nurse (Ontario)

Provincially recognized RPN program

Psychiatric nursing program enrollment preferred

Tools

MS Word

Patient information systems

Internet searches

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR02186Department:Schizophrenia Orchard 2This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)Job Type:Temporary (Fixed Term), Full timeContract Duration: (If applicable)6 monthsNumber of Positions:1Union:CUPE Local 786Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$36.63 - $39.8ScheduleWork Days:Monday to SundayTime of Day:Days, NightsShift:Hours -12Shift Start: (If applicable)AM 07:00, PM 19:00Reason for Posting:Application DatesOpening Date:2026-10-15Closing Date:2026-10-22Job DescriptionUnit Profile:The Schizophrenia & Community Integration Service inpatient units offer comprehensive assessment treatment rehabilitation and discharge planning. The individuals served have an Axis 1 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and have diverse and complex psychiatric behavioural functional psychosocial legal and physical needs requiring specialized service. An inter-disciplinary team approach is utilized along with other best practices including the use of anti-psychotics therapeutic relationship primary nursing family and client education peer support and supported employment.Position Summary:The Registered Practical Nurse under the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario and the Department of Nursing functions as a member of the nursing team to provide psychiatric nursing and specialized level care to adults with severe persistent mental illness. Basic knowledge decision making and communication techniques are employed in assessing planning and implementing nursing care. 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 a Registered Practical Nurse required•Acceptable certificate or proven enrollment in a psychiatric nursing program for RPNs preferred•Current Asepsis Techniques and Medication Administration certificate required•Current CPR certification required•Minimum 1 year previous experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing preferred•Demonstrated current knowledge of the signs and symptoms nursing interventions/strategies and treatment modalities for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders•Demonstrated ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundaries•Demonstrated ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner with psychiatric patients•Demonstrated ability to participate in a multi disciplinary team with effective contributions and the promotion of client centred care•Demonstrated ability to document according to standards•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.•Knowledge of current psychotropic medication including side effects•Knowledge of the therapeutic communication and counselling with clear ability to apply knowledge to practice•Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practice•Knowledge of community resources served by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton•Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning professional development and continuous quality improvement•Excellent problem-solving organizational skills and ability to set own workload priorities•Demonstrated knowledge a basic skill level with computers MSWord internet searches data entry and patient information systems•Good work performance and attendance record are essential•A resume outlining experience and education should accompany the applicationSt. 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]).