Registered Practical Nurse - F1

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

7d•CA$36 - CA$39•Onsite

About The Position

The Seniors Mental Health Inpatient Program employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and recreation therapists who assess and treat older adults with serious mental illness, mood disorders, and late-onset psychosis with age-related issues that complicate recovery. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling symptoms, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the older adult. 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 preventative, educational, and/or supportive care. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, 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.

Requirements

Successful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical Nurse.
Current registration with the College of Nurse of Ontario required.
One year clinical experience working with older adult patients and their families.
Experience working with the Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practice.
Knowledge of therapeutic communication and counselling with a clear ability to apply that knowledge to practice.
Acceptable certificate or proven enrolment in a psychiatric nursing course for RPNs.
CPR certificate.
Asepsis Technique and Medication Administration certificate.
Ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner with psychiatric patients.
Ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundaries.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
Ability to set own workload priorities and document according to standards.
Excellent problem-solving and organization skills.
Basic skill level with computers (MS Word, internet searches, data entry, and patient information system).
Knowledge of counselling principles (e.g., MI, CBT, PST, Behavioural Activation).
Demonstrated knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively facilitate and co-facilitate clinical groups of 8-10 clients is required.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 2-years recent experience in psychiatric mental health nursing preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of interventions as prescribed for the patient in a manner that ensures patient dignity, respect, and confidentiality. Updates patient charts/forms, monitors vital signs, performs venipuncture, administers feeding and personal care plans, etc.
Supports and assists with activities of physicians, nurses, and other team members.
Participates in the effective management of patient admissions, assessments, program placements, patient behaviour, and nursing care plans, all according to hospital policy.
Educates patients and families in groups and 1:1 interactions on issues including social, vocational, nutritional, rest, elimination patterns, and daily living skills, organizing and encouraging participation in recreation activities.
Monitors patient behaviour, reaction to treatment, and responses, reporting any unusual incidents or concerns to the Charge Nurse.
Ensures a safe and clean environment on the unit, bringing any areas of concern forward for review.
Gathers data for behavioural monitoring flow sheets and participates in program team meetings/conferences, program rounds, and patient council meetings as required.
Checks medication profile and dispenses medications to assigned residents and documents medications on the profile as given.
Provides support in handling telephone and reception duties for the Program.
Participates in the orientation of new unit staff and students.
Performs related duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager.
Ensures the adequacy of supplies and equipment as requested.
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.