Registered Practical Nurse - Acute Mental Health (T10)

UNIT PROFILE: 
The Acute Mental Health Unit (10 Tower) is a 30-bed unit located at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Charlton Campus. Our collaborative multi-disciplinary team is committed to providing exemplary mental health care for patients across the lifespan and creating an environment of recovery to provide the best client-centered care for our clients and their families. Our goal is to assess and stabilize patients, and to reintegrate them back into the community at optimal levels of functioning.

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) provides care for patients in accordance with the mission, vision and values of SJHH and the Mental Health and Addiction Program (MHAP), the standards of practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, and the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nursing (CFMHN) Standards. Nurses in the MHAP are committed to the alleviation of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addiction, as well as reduction of the use of seclusion and restraint in all our services. The principles of person-centered nursing, recovery and trauma informed care is foundational to this specialized nursing practice.  As a member of the inter-professional team, the RPN is responsible for the provision of quality, holistic, specialized nursing care for patients with complex mental illnesses. The RPN provides safe, evidence-based therapeutic interventions across the care continuum. The RPN completes assessments, plans and organizes treatment/therapeutic interventions, documents and evaluates interventions. The RPN models professionalism and provides decision-making support by collaborating and delegating within the inter-professional team.

QUALIFICATIONS 
•Current registration with the College of Nurse of Ontario required, including Asepsis Techniques and Medication Administration certificate.
•CPR certificate.
•Acceptable certificate or proven enrollment in a psychiatric nursing program for RPN’s.
•Demonstrated knowledge of Acute Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Health and Mental Illness is essential.
•2-3 years working experience in an Acute Mental Health environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
•Good understanding of the Mental Health Act as it applies to an Inpatient Mental Health Unit.
•Experience working with Psychiatric clients with a demonstrated sensitivity and non-judgmental manner.
•Demonstrated knowledge of Recovery Models of Care, client Centered Care and the college Best Practice of therapeutic Nurse Client Relationship
•Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, maintain good interpersonal relationships and set own workload priorities.
•Demonstrated problem-solving and organization skills and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
•Demonstrated knowledge of therapeutic communication and counseling with a clear ability to apply that knowledge to practice.
•Must be familiar with community resources.
•Must be knowledgeable regarding substance abuse and addiction.
•Demonstrated commitment to professional development and continuing education.
•Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families
•Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred
•Must be able to complete the orientation as required.
•Good work performance and attendance record is essential.
•An updated resume should accompany the application.
•Demonstrates 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.

St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.