Registered Practical Nurse Contract 12 Months

CMHA Durham•Oshawa, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides registered practical nursing services and case management supports to Community Treatment Order (CTO) clients with severe and persistent mental illness within the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham. This role involves participating as a member of a high-performance team, liaising with the CTO Coordinator, developing and implementing individualized client care plans, and assisting clients with access to services. The nurse will review client assessments, monitor and update care plans, maintain documentation, provide health education on medications, assess clinical status changes, and participate in discharge planning. Additionally, the role includes exchanging nursing knowledge, communicating with psychiatrists, administering medication, and performing other assigned tasks. Risk management is also a key component, adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures to ensure the well-being of staff and clients.

Requirements

Registered Practical Nurse Diploma and a minimum of two years’ related mental health experience of equivalent combination of education and experience.
Membership/Registration in valid/good standing with the Ontario College of Nurses’ Association and the Registered Practical Nurses’ Association of Ontario.
Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Nursing Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, Health Care Consent Act, Community Treatment Orders and other related legislation in Ontario.
Sound knowledge of psychotropic medications including usage and potential side effects.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships clients, community, partners and represent the agency in a professional manner at all times.
Ability to acquire and utilize community resources effectively to meet client’s needs.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to formally present information to individuals or groups in order to develop, implement and monitor nursing care plans and attend meetings.
Ability to resolve complex client problems in order to ensure a high standard of nursing service.
Flexibility to adapt to change.
Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to think critically and creatively.
Ability to make accurate nursing assessments and implement best practices.
Ability to work successfully inter-professionally as well as intra-professionally (i.e. providing comprehensive health care services within the team as well as in partnership with shared-care professionals).
Ability to manage crisis situations in a professional manner at all times.
Valid Ontario Driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage.
Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook) and Internet.
Ability to work on call hours.

Responsibilities

Provides registered practical nursing services and case management supports to Community Treatment Order (CTO) clients with severe and persistent mental illness within the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham.
Participates as a member of a high performance team providing nursing services and managing a caseload of CTO individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness within a variety of community settings.
Liaises with the CTO Coordinator from Lakeridge Health Oshawa and staff within the organization, providing intense ongoing support to individuals being placed on CTO.
Develops, implements and maintains individualized nursing client care plans supporting the clients’ goals and provides case management to clients for the duration of the CTO.
Assists clients with access and linkages with other appropriate services, as necessary.
Reviews clients’ assessment information discussing clients’ medical, psychiatric and social issues and completes/updates comprehensive nursing mental health assessments including mental status exams.
Monitors, reviews and updates care plans on a scheduled basis revising plans, as necessary, ensuring flexibility to meet clients’ needs.
Maintains current, complete and accurate client documentation.
Provides information and resources to clients on chronic and terminal illnesses.
Provides health education to clients on their medication, including side effects, drug/alcohol interactions and importance of compliancy.
Assesses the significance of changes in the client’s clinical status and intervenes, when necessary, to minimize crisis intervention situations.
Participates in the development of a discharge plan in collaboration with clients and stakeholders.
Exchanges and/or transfers nursing knowledge on evidenced-based nursing practices with, or to, team members to assist in the health needs of clients.
Communicates with psychiatrists at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on an ongoing basis and attends required appointments with clients.
Administers medication and intramuscular injections/treatments to clients and completes/maintains appropriate documentation.
Documents client contacts, performs assessments and creates reports in a timely manner, as outlined in CMHA Durham policies and procedures.
Updates and maintains the Medical Administration Record (MAR) for a caseload of clients including medication audits and liaison with the pharmacy.
Provides linkages to health care professionals and community resources for further, or more complex, medical challenges.
Performs other tasks as assigned by management.
Runs recreational and education groups for clients.
Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of staff and clients.
Maintain valid membership with the RPNAO and to complete the required documents on an annual basis (i.e. Quality Assurance report and Practice Reflection tools).