POSITION OVERVIEW

The Registered Nurse in the outpatient mental health department is an integral member of the interprofessional team comprised of physicians, social workers, occupational therapists and other health professionals. Working closely with other members of the team, the RN is responsible for the provision of comprehensive psychiatric nursing care including, but not limited to clinical coordination and triage for multiple outpatient clinics, assessments of patients and families, individual counselling, group therapies, administration of injectable psychiatric medications, POC tests and facilitation and active participation in various clinical procedures including ECT. The RN in this role will also work collaboratively with other team members in the development and implementation of additional clinics and services as new treatment options become available.

The RN may also be trained and expected to work in other mental health and substance use programs, based on operational needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess, plan and implement high quality and compassionate nursing care for complex patients using current nursing best-practices and evidence-informed clinical practice.

• Provide short-term, solution focused counselling within the scope of nursing practice.

• Plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic groups in collaboration with an interprofessional team.- Oversee clinical coordination and triage for multiple outpatient clinics including a psychogeriatric clinic, metabolic clinic, Clozapine clinic and ECT clinic.

• Using a trauma-informs lens, communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors and all members of the health team to facilitate and coordinate high quality patient care.

• Utilize exemplary teaching skills as an integralpartintegral part of nursing with patients, their families, colleagues and students from a variety of disciplines.

• Document pertinent data accurately and appropriately in compliance with CNO standards and hospital policy.

• Record nursing actions according to expected outcomes of the nursing care plan.

• Endeavor to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and their families at all times. - Maintain accountability for all nursing actions and seek guidance when unable to perform tasks independently.

• Be able to work on inpatient mental health unit and in Mental Health Emergency Assessment Zone in ED as required from time to time and with limited notice.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Registered Nurse with current Certificate of Registration issued by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Completion of, or working towards the CNA Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Certificate is strongly preferred.
• Evidence of completion of mental health continuing education such as CBT, DBT or similar modalities/approaches is considered an asset.
• Preference will be given to candidates who possess a BScN or working towards this degree.

EXPERIENCE

• Current nursing experience with a minimum of 3 years of recent experience in an acute mental health day treatment or outpatient mental health setting is required. Preference will be given to candidates with 5 years of recent experience in a mental health setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in nursing diagnosis, assessment, intervention and evaluation processes.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with an interprofessional team.
• Sound knowledge of Mental Health Act/Mental Health Reform.
• Demonstrated knowledge of counseling and therapeutic techniques; experience with solution-focused therapy and /or cognitive behavioural therapy is an asset.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and/or education.
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Demonstrated skills in the administration of neuroleptic depot medications is considered an asset.
• Proven experience working with psychogeriatric patients population is considered an asset.
• Individual support counselling skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and co-facilitate therapeutic groups.
• Satisfactory work and attendance record required.
• All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
• All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
• All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.