Registered Nurse - Schizophrenia; TOPSS

Overview

UNIT PROFILE: The Transitional Outpatient Program of the Schizophrenia Service (TOPSS) is a transitional case management program that supports clients' transitions from each of the Schizophrenia inpatient units to a community-based outpatient service.

POSITION SUMMARY: 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.

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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian Standards for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
• Demonstrated ability to practice within the Standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Commitment to fulfilling the Mission and Vision of St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton.
• CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CPMHN(c)) preferred.
• CPR certification required.
• Previous clinical experience in psychiatric nursing with demonstrated knowledge, skill and ability in psychiatric nursing, psychotropic pharmacology, counseling priniciples, clinical case management and group psychotherapy/interventions required.
• Minimum of 2 years psychiatric nursing experience in mental health outpatient setting.
• Demonstrated success in clinical case management within an outpatient mental health setting.
• Evidence of understanding of relevant health care legislation.
• Comprehensive knowledge base of major mental disorders and related treatment modalities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of schizophrenia and best practice evidence/research required.
• Knowledge of community resources available to service individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness is required, and demonstrated ability to work with these partners across Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, Haldimand and Norfolk.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and be self-directed with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to actively participate with other inter-professional team members.
• Demonstrated ability to document according to standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, including additional certification in counselling modalities specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Psychosis (CBT-P), Concurrent Disorders and smoking cessation as well as, precepting nursing students.
• Comprehensive understanding of Self Management Supports and tools/strategies to implement this practice into daily clinical work required.
• Certification in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy would be an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, leading and evaluating therapeutic groups considered best practice for this target population.
• Balanced judgement in risk assessment and management; knowledge and skills related to crisis intervention and safety planning.
• Critical thinking, appraisal skills and effective problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated abilities to establish, maintain and terminate therapeutic relationships, to set therapeutic boundaries and to utilize therapeutic interviewing skills.
• It is essential that current knowledge and research evidence be integrated into clinical practice.
• Commitment and demonstrated ability to provide recovery oriented service.
• Good attendance and work record are essential.
• Valid driver’s license with adequate insurance and use of a reliable vehicle required.
• Demonstrates competence (knowledge/skills/attitude) in the use of community safety training interventions, trauma-informed care and other best practices available to promote healing and recovery.

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.