Job Description

The Registered Practical Nurse, under the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, functions as a member of the nursing team to provide basic assessment and treatments, preventative, educational and/or supportive care. Basic knowledge, decision making and communication techniques are employed in assessment, planning and implementing nursing care. The RPN will be committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical Nurse
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Nurses in good standing
• CPR certificate
• Asepsis Technique and Medication Administration certificate
• CPI certification
• Minimum of 1-year recent experience in psychiatric mental health nursing
• Knowledge of psychiatric nursing, mental health and mental illness
• 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
• Ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner with psychiatric patients
• Ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundaries
• Demonstrated ability to work with mentally ill patients
• Excellent communication skills is required
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
• Ability to set own workload priorities and document according to standards
• Basic skill level with computers, MSWord, internet searches, data entry and patient information system

Responsibilities:

• Maintains confidentiality and release of information in accordance with hospital policy at all times
• Obligation to review when necessary and commit to applicable departmental and hospital policies and procedures at all times
• Utilizes the nursing process in assisting the multidisciplinary team to formulate, implement, evaluate, and update nursing care plans by discussing and reporting observations and participating in team meetings and caring for patients as assigned
• Administers medications and treatments, records observations as per CNO standards and hospital policies
• Maintains a safe and secure environment with current knowledge of emergency techniques and code procedures, including CPI.
• Performs clinical procedures as needed: vital signs monitoring, clinical monitoring, specimen collection, dressing changes, IV therapy, urine testing for glucose and acetone, etc., in accordance with CNO standards and hospital policy and procedures
• Encourages patient participation in ADLs as needed and clinically appropriate
• Contributes to multidisciplinary care planning by sharing ideas regarding patient behaviors, treatment effects/reactions, program placement, etc.
• Accompanies patients to other areas/departments as assigned and appropriate
• Provides oral, verbal, and written reports on patient progress to the appropriate care teams, healthcare workers, or external organizations (when needed and appropriate)
• Documentation of all relevant clinical information and interventions through Dovetale, RAI, and other relevant software or processes as per the hospital and departmental standards
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Nurse/Clinical manager or delegate
• Demonstrates competence (knowledge/skills/attitude) in the use of non-violent physical crisis intervention, 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.