Registered Practical Nurse- Forensic Assessment & Triage Unit

Job Description

The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) is a member of an interprofessional clinical team and provides client-centred psychiatric and general nursing care to individuals with mental health and/or addiction issues. The RPN practices in accordance with professional nursing standards, relevant legislation, and organizational policies, while ensuring the safety, dignity, and security of the care environment. Using a collaborative nursing model, the RPN contributes to assessment, care planning, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing clinical communication.

• Perform ongoing clinical assessments, including mental status, physical assessments, and behavioural observations
• Monitor and evaluate clients responses to pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions
• Identify changes in client condition and respond appropriately using clinical judgment and evidence-based interventions
• Provide psychiatric and general nursing care in a safe, respectful, and dignified manner

• Collaborate with the primary nurse and interprofessional team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized plans of care
• Support recovery-oriented, client-centred care aligned with assessed needs and priorities
• Apply crisis intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques when required
• Intervene effectively in situations involving disturbed or high-risk behaviour

• Ensure the safety and security of the client care environment
• Develop, implement, and monitor risk management plans as required
• Ensure compliance with legal, clinical, and safety-related care directives
• Apply sound knowledge of risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies

• Complete accurate, timely, and professional clinical documentation
• Communicate consistently and effectively with members of the interprofessional team
• Share relevant clinical observations to support continuity of care and treatment planning

• Work collaboratively within a diverse interprofessional team
• Contribute nursing expertise to clinical discussions, care planning, and service delivery
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and accountability

• Contribute to program development and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide education, guidance, and supervision to students as required
• Support learning and professional development within the clinical environment

• Practice in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) standards, relevant legislation, and organizational policies
• Demonstrate professionalism, critical thinking, organization, and self-direction
• Support a healthy, inclusive, and respectful workplace that values diversity and teamwork
• Utilize computer-based systems for documentation and communication
• Participate in rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and extended shifts as required

• Registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) certification
• Medication administration certification or completion of an RPN program that includes medication administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric nursing and/or addiction-related care
• Ability to perform mental status, behavioural, and physical assessments
• Demonstrated ability to manage and intervene in situations involving disturbed behaviour
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively within an interprofessional team
• Strong organizational skills and ability to complete accurate clinical documentation
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

• Experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or addictions
• Experience in forensic, recovery-oriented, or geriatric mental health settings
• Knowledge of forensic legal and health systems and risk assessment processes
• Experience with crisis intervention and recovery-oriented models of care
• Experience contributing to program development or quality improvement initiatives
• Experience supervising or supporting students
• Proficiency in a second language and/or bilingualism (French/English)

Salary Range: $32.42 – $38.33 per hour

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by…