Registered Practical Nurse - Schizophrenia W2

Unit Profile

The Schizophrenia & Community Integration Service inpatient units offer comprehensive assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and discharge planning. The individuals served have an Axis 1 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and have diverse and complex psychiatric, behavioural, functional, psychosocial, legal and physical needs requiring specialized service. An inter-disciplinary team approach is utilized along with other best practices including the use of anti-psychotics, therapeutic relationship, primary nursing, family and client education, peer support and supported employment.

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 psychiatric nursing and specialized level care to adults with severe persistent mental illness. 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.

• Current registration with the College of Nurse of Ontario required.
• Successful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical Nurse required
• Acceptable certificate or proven enrollment in a psychiatric nursing program for RPNs preferred
• Current Asepsis Techniques and Medication Administration certificate required
• Current CPR certification required
• Minimum 1 year previous experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing preferred
• Demonstrated current knowledge of the signs and symptoms, nursing interventions/strategies and treatment modalities for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundaries
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner with psychiatric patients
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a multi disciplinary team with effective contributions and the promotion of client centred care
• Demonstrated ability to document according to standards
• Demonstrated 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.
• Knowledge of current psychotropic medication including side effects
• Knowledge of the therapeutic communication and counselling with clear ability to apply knowledge to practice
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practice
• Knowledge of community resources served by St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning, professional development and continuous quality improvement
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational skills, and ability to set own workload priorities
• Demonstrated knowledge a basic skill level with computers, MSWord, internet searches, data entry, and patient information systems
• Good work performance and attendance record are essential
• A resume outlining experience and education should accompany the application

Hourly: $35.12....$36.64....$38.16 (plus 14% in lieu of benefits)

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.

St. Joseph’s Nursing Vision is to make a difference in the lives of those we care for, our organization, and the future of our community through achievement of excellence in nursing and commitment to a culture of nursing innovation, empowerment, leadership and accountability.