Registered Nurse - Forensic Psychiatry (N3) (Primary) / Forensic Psychiatry (W3) (Secondary)

St. Joe's; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Registered Nurse for their Forensic Psychiatry Program. The RN will provide holistic nursing care, focusing on mental health and addiction, while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, planning treatments, and ensuring safe environments. Ideal candidates will have experience in mental health nursing and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of recent mental health nursing experience.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct assessments and evaluate care.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation Skills

Education

CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

Current CPR certification

Tools

Risk Assessment Tools

RAI-MH training

Job description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Forensic Psychiatry Program aims to restore and maintain the mental health of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. The multidisciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals providing assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services. The program offers clinical, risk, and medico-legal assessments, inpatient treatments in secure environments, and outpatient and community reintegration services/support for the Central-South region and Halton.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Registered Nurse (RN) provides holistic, specialized nursing care aligned with SJHH’s mission, vision, and values, as well as the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario and the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nursing (CFMHN). The RN is committed to reducing stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addiction, and to minimizing the use of seclusion and restraint. Principles of person-centered nursing, recovery, and trauma-informed care underpin this practice. As part of the inter-professional team, the RN is responsible for delivering safe, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, conducting assessments, planning and organizing treatments, documenting, and evaluating care. The RN also demonstrates professional leadership and supports decision-making through collaboration and delegation within the team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is required.
• CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CPMHN(c)) is preferred.
• Current CPR certification is required.
• CPI – Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion during orientation) is required.
• Minimum of one year of recent mental health nursing experience with demonstrated skills in caring for patients with serious mental illness is required.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Consent and Capacity, and relevant legislation is required.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, professional standards, policies, and procedures, including WHMIS training.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, privacy legislation, and health record management.
• Experience in assessing and managing co-morbid medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, metabolic monitoring).
• Knowledge of Mental Status Examinations (MSE).
• Experience with individual counseling and group skills (e.g., DBT, MI, IPT, CBT, Behavioral Activation).
• Knowledge of risk assessment, trauma-informed care, and alternatives to seclusion and restraint.
• Ability to create a safe and secure environment by listening, discussing, and addressing concerns and needs.
• Proficient computer skills, including RAI-MH training upon hire.
• Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and team-building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology, including current medications and side effects.

Forensic Service-specific Qualifications:

• Recent psychiatric/mental health nursing experience is required; forensic psychiatry experience is preferred.
• Understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it relates to mentally disordered offenders.
• Familiarity with Risk Assessment Tools (e.g., HARM/AIS).
• Knowledge of custody and care of mentally disordered offenders.

NOTE: The successful applicant will be cross-trained to provide shift coverage for the combined unit - Forensic Psychiatry (W3). Tours on W3 will be scheduled in conjunction with the N3 schedule, based on unit needs, and will include rotating shifts.

St. Joseph’s Nursing Vision is to make a difference through excellence in nursing, fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, leadership, and accountability.