Job Description

The RN works within a changing environment and an inter-professional team to advocate for and promote wellness while ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and ethical nursing care. The RN shares his/her knowledge and expertise with others and contributes to the advancement of nursing practice excellence. The RN continually enhances his/her practice and competencies through ongoing learning, education, experience and reflective practice.

The Mental Health Emergency Services Area of St. Michael\'s Hospital consists of a continuum of services for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises. The Registered Nurse, Mental Health Emergency Services Area \xe2\x80\x93 works within an inter-professional team to provide crisis assessment and intervention, treatment, support and referrals to community resources for individuals with severe mental illnesses and concurrent substance use. The Mental Health Emergency Services Area operates 24/7.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary role of the RN is to provide holistic, evidence-based, culturally appropriate, patient-centred quality care in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario standards and SMH\xe2\x80\x99s mission, vision, values and policies. The RN optimizes the patient\xe2\x80\x99s experience and care outcomes by:

• Being accountable for one\xe2\x80\x99s decisions and professional practice;
• Establishing a therapeutic relationship with the patient;
• Collaborating with other members of the patient\xe2\x80\x99s care team; and,
• Coordinating and communicating patient care activities.

The RN has 4 key areas of responsibility:

Patient Care:

• Acquires information to assess patient care and learning needs
• Develops a plan of care and integrates nursing activities with other inter-professional activities
• Engages in critical inquiry and reflection to select evidence-based interventions
• Organizes nursing care and assigns or changes nursing care activities where appropriate
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care and adjusts the plan as needed
• Anticipates, recognizes and addresses rapidly changing situations
• Provides health education to patients and their families using effective teaching strategies
• Documents observations, assessments and care provision
• Contributes to discharge and transition planning
• Refers patient to other agencies or services as needed

Collaboration & Coordination

• Serves as the primary resource for organizing and coordinating patient care activities
• Establishes and maintains respectful, collaborative, therapeutic and inter-professional relationships
• Coordinates and communicates patient care activities for a safe and seamless transition and appropriate transfer of accountability
• Participates in hospital committees and other groups

Leadership

• Aligns behavior with SMH\xe2\x80\x99s vision, mission and values and Code of Conduct
• Supports the advancement of professional practice
• Utilizes effective judgment in assigning patient care activities
• Engages in self-reflection, performance review and ongoing learning
• Participates in mentoring, teaching and /or coaching students, co-workers and other regulated and unregulated health professionals
• Embraces change that leads to improved nursing practice and better patient outcomes
• Advocates for a safe and healthy work environment

Research

• Participates in or supports research projects
• Supports and participates in evidence based practice implementation and quality improvement initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have Current General Class (Practising) Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• BLS Certification
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification, or willingness to obtain certificate within 6 months, preferred
• Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing certification preferred
• Recent experience working with individuals with severe mental illnesses and concurrent substance use
• Demonstrated excellent assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Demonstrated effective critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other professions/disciplines in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven planning, time management, organization and coordination skills
• Excellent attendance record is required

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto\xe2\x80\x99s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Unity Health Toronto