Job Description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Seniors Mental Health Program provides short-term specialized geriatric psychiatry services to older adults with dementia and behavioural disturbances through assessment and treatment. The multidisciplinary team assesses the client's needs and formulates an individualized care plan which emphasizes the individual's strengths, supports areas for development, and provides meaningful activity. The inpatient services work very closely with outreach services, particularly during transition from and back into the community.POSITION SUMMARY:
The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) provides nursing care for clients to promote health and assess need for provision of care and treatment of health conditions by supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative and rehabilitation means in order to attain or maintain optimal function. The RPN role models professional values, beliefs and attributes, and practices in accordance with the SJHH mission and values, policies and procedures, and College of Nurses Standards and Guidelines. A high level of collaboration between RPN and RN is required to ensure safe and effective care. The RPN provides care for less complex clients whose outcomes are more predictable and risk for negative outcomes is low. The RPN is accountable to recognize changes in acuity and/or complexity in client needs and consulting with a Registered Nurse (RN) in determining next steps in the provision of care. Nurses in the MHAP are committed to the alleviation of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addiction, as well as reduction of the use of seclusion and restraint in all our services.QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current registration with the College of Nurse of Ontario required.
• Education in one of the below categories is required:

a) Practical Nursing Diploma from an accredited Community College program with evidence of IV medication administration as part of the basic educational curriculum.
b) Practical Nursing Diploma from an accredited Community College program and IV medication administration certificate from an accredited Community College program if not included in basic diploma curriculum.
c) Practical Nursing Certificate from an accredited Community College program, a medication administration certificate and an IV medication certificate from an accredited Community College program.

• Current BCLS/HCP certification required
• Demonstrated ability to function to the full scope of nursing practice per the College of Nurse of Ontario.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with patients/clients, families and other members of the health care team.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and organize work in response to client/patient needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of transfers and lifts.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and continuous quality improvement.
• Basic skill level with computers, MS Word, Internet searches, data entry and patient information systems.

Seniors Mental Health-specific Qualifications:

• Certificate in Mental Health Nursing or Geriatric Nursing preferred.
• 2 years recent related experience in geriatric mental health nursing preferred.
• Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care certification preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with clients diagnosed with dementia and dementia related behaviours, including knowledge of current psychotropic medications and side effects in the older adult population required.

WAGE RATE:
Hourly: $34.10... $35.57... $37.05 (plus 14% in lieu of benefits)St. Joes fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.St. Josephs 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.

St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton