Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

(TEMPORARY FULL-TIME) REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSE - GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY UNIT (GPU)

Whitby, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 16, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

Provide specialized nursing care to seniors with complex mental illnesses using a recovery-focused model. Collaborate within an interprofessional team to perform assessments, stabilization, and treatment for community reintegration.

Job details

JOB DESCRIPTION Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is seeking a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). As an RPN, you will provide specialized care to patients with complex mental illnesses by using a recovery focused model of care, built upon compassion, inspiration and hope. To be an active and equal member of the interprofessional team. The assignment is to work for our Geriatric Psychiatry Unit (GPU). This unit cares for seniors over 65 years of age and older who are medically stable and have a severe or complex aged related mental illness that is refractory to treatment. (requiring more than 2 courses of treatment or chronic, requiring treatment for longer than 6 months) This patient population requires assessment, stabilization and treatment with the goal of community reintegration. GPU uses behavioural modification model and is moving towards formal cognitive behavioural therapy model. Please Note: Although the posted vacancy is for the GPU, Registered Practical Nurses must have the ability to work in any area of the Ontario Shores as patient needs dictate. Requirements: • Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing. • Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). • CPR-Health Care Provider (HCP) • Demonstrated knowledge of College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Standards of Practice and commitment to maintaining reflective practice standards as described by the CNO. • Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian Standards for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, as well as relevant policies and legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). • Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. • Demonstrated competence within the full scope of practice of a Registered Practical Nurse in the provision of assessment, care, medications, interventions and documentation of care needs. • Demonstrated working knowledge / experience with computers • Meditech Experience preferred • Ability to implement and model the Recovery philosophy in all aspects of care as a Recovery Champion • Proven excellent interpersonal skills and effective oral/written communication skills. • Demonstrated excellent organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution and critical thinking abilities. • Ability to perform the physical demands of the position. • Proven good attendance record with the capability of maintaining this same standard. • Must be available to work shifts • It is highly encouraged that staff complete the RPN Mental Health certification within five years of hire date • Recent psychiatric nursing and/or seniors experience in a mental health facility, long term care facility or service Preferred. • The ability to work with clients of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds and proficiency in a second language is an asset. Link to OPSEU Wage Table-This position is part of the OPSEU bargaining unit [https://www.ontarioshores.ca/media/1821] Job Posting Closing: October 29th 2026. Please note any job applications after this closing date will not be considered. Number of vacancy -2 This is a 18 months contract

What you’ll do

Requirements

Must be a Registered Practical Nurse registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing. Requires current BCLS/CPR certification and demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric nursing standards and relevant mental health legislation.