Registered Practical Nurse - R1

Unit Profile: The Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) located at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th Campus provides mental health care to patients suffering from acute symptoms of mental disorders. We have a complete interdisciplinary team available to meet the varied needs of our patients. 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 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. Reporting to the Nurse Manager of the Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) the Registered Practical Nurse will work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team providing nursing care to individuals with major mental illnesses. 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 Nurses of Ontario •Successful completion of a diploma program for a Registered Practical Nurse •Acceptable certificate or proven enrollment in a psychiatric nursing program preferred •Minimum 6 months to 1 year recent related experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing; recent experience in Acute Mental Health preferred •Proof of current CPR CPI training and Asepsis Techniques and Medication Administration certification •Demonstrated knowledge of Psychiatric Nursing Mental Health and Mental Illness is essential •Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to perform mental status examination •Experience working with psychiatric clients with a demonstrated sensitivity and non-judgmental manner •Ability to always communicate effectively and tactfully to promote good interpersonal relationships and positive outcomes for patients •Demonstrated knowledge of therapeutic communication and counseling with a clear ability to apply knowledge to practice •Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning professional development and continuous quality improvement •Demonstrated ability to set own workload priorities and work effectively within an interdisciplinary team •Demonstrated excellent problem-solving and organizational skills •Demonstrated skill and experience with computers data entry and patient information systems •Good work performance and attendance record are essential