Registered Nurse - Mental Health - Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team

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Department: Mental Health - Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team

Location: Ottawa (Highland Park / Carlingwood), ON

Status: Full-Time

Union Association: ONA

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Mental Health Programs, the Registered Nurse provides a full range of client-centred clinical services, including responding to patients and families in crisis; completing clinical, physical, and risk assessments; administering medications within scope; coordinating care; educating patients and families; advocating for patient needs; supporting discharge planning; and liaising with community partners.

As part of the Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team (ACERT), the Registered Nurse functions as the primary nurse for patients presenting in crisis to the Emergency Mental Health Assessment and Care (EMAC) space. Responsibilities include timely psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, de‑escalation, suicide and violence risk assessment, medication administration within scope, leading Code Whites, ensuring least restraints practices, coordinating care with psychiatry and the ED team, supporting transitions to Inpatient Mental Health (IPMH), and participating in handovers from police or MCRT as required.

ACERT nurses enhance communication between EMAC, ED, psychiatry, and IPMH; reduce duplicate assessments; and contribute to improved patient safety, flow, and overall care quality.

Practice is expected to align with CNO Standards of Nursing Practice and hospital policies. Ongoing competence is maintained through continuous education and active participation in the CNO Quality Assurance Program.

This role is subject to change as the ACERT model evolves.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• BScN is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Post‑diploma certification in psychiatric/mental health nursing considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience with risk assessments, suicide prevention, principles of crisis theory and intervention
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Valid BCLS certification
• Competency to administer naloxone in emergent situations
• Non‑Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training required
• Completion of Suicide Intervention Training and Crisis Management is considered an asset
• ASIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience working in a Mental Health program
• Proven ability to conduct nursing assessments, risk assessments, and suicide prevention
• Demonstrated crisis intervention skills for both telephone and in‑person encounters
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in providing treatment to persons with acute and/or severe mental illness
• Knowledge of inpatient and community‑based mental health resources
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care
• Experience providing evidence‑based modalities such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution‑Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention/management
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, least restraint, RHPA, SDA, HCCA, PHIPA)
• Knowledge of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment methods
• Strong clinical assessment skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Experience working in a computerized environment
• Participation in research and continuous quality improvement
• Sensitivity to stigma experienced by those with psychiatric diagnoses
• Commitment to culturally diverse and 2
  
  SLGBTQ‑sensitive care
• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Excellent attendance and availability
• Ability to act as Code White Leader, apply and monitor restraints safely, conduct Mental Status Exams, document clinical assessments, coordinate transitions to IPMH, and communicate observation levels—core expectations within ACERT practice