Registered Nurse - Mood Disorders

UNIT PROFILE

The Mood Disorders Program employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, vocational rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and research staff who assess and treat individuals with unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the person.

The Registered Nurse 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-centred nursing, recovery and trauma informed care is foundational to this specialized nursing practice. As a member of the inter-professional team, the RN is responsible for the provision of quality, holistic, specialized nursing care for patients with complex mental illnesses. The RN provides safe, evidence-based therapeutic interventions across the care continuum. The RN completes assessments, plans and organizes treatment/therapeutic interventions, documents and evaluates interventions.

The RN models professional leadership and provides decision‑making support by collaborating and delegating within the inter‑professional team.

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario required.
• CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CPMHN(c)), or commitment to complete within 5 years of hire as a condition of employment, is preferred.
• Current BCLS/HCP certification required.
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families.
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred.
• CPI – Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) is required.
• Two (2) years of recent mental health nursing experience with demonstrated knowledge, skill and ability in the care of patients with serious mental illness preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act, Consent and Capacity, and other legislation relevant to the practice of psychiatric/mental health nursing is required.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, professional standards and guidelines, SJHH corporate and departmental Policies and Procedures, including successful completion of WHMIS training.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, privacy legislation, and health record management processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the assessment and management of co‑morbid medical disorders (ie. diabetes, metabolic monitoring, etc.).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Mental Status Examinations (MSE).
• Demonstrated knowledge of individual counseling and group skills (ie. DBT, MI, IPT, CBT, Behavioral Activation).
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management, including knowledge of trauma informed care and alternatives to seclusion and restraint, and associated risks.
• Knowledge and practice of safe and secure environment for clients/families/teams by listening, discussing, exploring, clarifying and acting on their concerns, needs and priorities.
• Proficient computer skills including successful completion of Resident Assessment Instrument – Mental Health (RAI‑MH) training upon hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill related to crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership, superior problem solving, critical thinking skills and strong team building skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and de‑escalation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychopharmacology, including current psychotropic medications and side effects.
• Good work performance and attendance record is required.

• One (1) year of recent mental health nursing experience with mood disorders specific clients preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating groups preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the current treatment modalities of patients with severe and persistent mental illness, particularly those diagnosed with a mood disorder.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the various clinical scales used in those patients with a mood disorder (HAM‑D, HAM‑A, YMRS, YBOC).

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.