Registered Practical Nurse - Mental Health

The Registered Practical Nurse is responsible for providing nursing care under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assessing patient condition and needs based on interviews, interaction and direct observation; developing and implementing therapeutic patient treatment/care/discharge plans in a 24 hour operation to achieve patient goals in consultation and collaboration with patients, interprofessional team, family, substitute decision-maker and with community agencies within the circle of care as appropriate.

• Development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship utilizing nursing and other theoretical or practice frameworks i.e., psychosocial rehabilitation, counselling, health teaching, administering and monitoring medication, and teaching life skills in preparation for community reintegration while recognizing the need to consult with a Registered Nurse when care needs are unpredictable and more complex.

• As a member of an interprofessional team, actively participates in the identification and coordination of provision of services and resources for patients from admission to discharge i.e., recreational activities, housing, finances, spiritual; advocating on behalf of patients with interprofessional team members and community agencies to safeguard entitlements and rights; taking crisis calls from patients who are on leave of absence and collaborating with appropriate person(s) i.e., team leader, After Hours Administratr, interprofessional team or community agencies.

• Observing, assessing, recording, and reporting patient condition; evaluating progress and modifying plans as appropriate; assessing patient risk to self and/or others and consulting with a Registered Nurse when care needs are unpredictable and more complex; participating in quality improvement activities to facilitate changes in nursing practice and interprofessional care.

• Providing leadership in the provision of nursing services within the nursing and interprofessional teams, consulting with a Registered Nurse when patient condition is more complex and outcomes are unpredictable. Leadership is demonstrated through processes of orientation and mentoring of new staff and and students, supporting team members' learning goals; engaging in reflective practice and continuous learning designed to improve the application of knowledge, skill and judgment in the provision of patient-centered care.

• Contributes to a safe therapeutic environment through awareness of the College of Nurses of Ontario Standards, program/facility wide policies and procedures, and mandatory training, i.e., implementing practices related to patient safety, reporting of issues in Risk Monitor Pro, utilizing safe practices to address agitated patients; maintaining a safe environment by the secure storage of hazardous or dangerous equipment and supplies;

reporting equipment malfunction; undertaking established security protocols; environment searches; maintaining a locked environment when applicable; assessing staffing needs and skill mix related to the provision of patient care.

• Participating in the physical restraint of a violent or potentially violent patient, as required under the circumstances, when other alternatives have been ineffective to protect the patient, self or others from harm.

• Participating as an emergency responder in announced Code White (psychiatric emergency) situations and Code Blue (medical emergency).

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Program Manager(s).

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the direct manager.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current certificate of competence to practice as a R.P.N. in Ontario.

• Qualified to practice within current CNO RPN Scope of Practice guidelines.

• Must have Medication Administration Certificate from a recognized College (or in progress).

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in psychiatric nursing is required.

• Must demonstrate successful completion of Physical Assessment Course.

• Post Diploma Psychiatric Program preferred.

• Demonstrates a sound knowledge of the principles of…