RN- Mental Health Emergency Services Unit (Full Time)

Opened in 2014, the Mental Health Emergency Services Unit (MHESU) is a 12 bed, highly specialized unit dedicated to meeting the needs of patients who present in crisis with mental health and addictions issues. If you are passionate about mental health and addictions care and embrace working in a fast paced and innovative clinical environment where roles and responsibilities are continually evolving to better meet the needs of our patients, this opportunity is for you. 

Working in collaboration with the Emergency Department, The MHESU Registered Nurse will conduct rapid mental health and risk assessment and stabilization of patients presenting in the Emergency Department with a view to recommending appropriate dispositions to the ER physician and/or psychiatrist. You will also be required to provide the full scope of nursing care to patients requiring extended assessment or transitional care and support as they await an inpatient bed in Adult Mental Health.   

The ideal candidate will possess superior nursing and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated competence in the field of mental health and addictions. Working collaboratively alongside other health care professionals you will demonstrate the ability to incorporate current evidence and best practice into plans of care and in the provision of your professional nursing services. You will approach the planning, delivery of care to patients and families in a manner which promotes health and well-being, recognizes patient dignity and regards patients and their families as an essential partner in the delivery of healthcare. As a member of our mental health team, you are highly-adaptable, highly-flexible and thrive in a fast paced environment. You will also be responsible for patients requiring medical clearance and/or ongoing assessment and care. The Registered Nurse will be committed to continuous professional development of their nursing competencies. Successful candidates will be required to complete their Canadian Nurses Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing within two years.

Qualifications: 

Professional Registration

• Currently registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario. 

Education/Training

• Canadian Nurses Association (C.N.A) Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing on hire or willingness to complete  within 2 years of start date.
• Current BLS/CPR.
• Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training required within 3 months of start date.  

Experience

• Two years of recent mental health and addictions nursing experience in an acute care setting required  (recent within last 5 years). Candidates with a minimum of 6 months of experience may be considered at the  Health Centre’s sole discretion.
• Experience with medical nursing an asset. Experience with mental health emergency nursing strongly preferred.  

Required Skills/Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to patient and family centred care.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated passion for change and ongoing improvement in support of patient care   and safety.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively within an interprofessional team environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, accountability and positive attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and educate patients and their families.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of trauma informed approaches.
• Proficiency in the application of de-escalation and de-briefing skills.
• Demonstrated recovery-focused skills in bio-psychosocial assessment, mental status assessments, differential diagnosis, treatment and transitional care of mental health and addictions patients.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of legislation which guides mental health nursing practice (example, Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Child and Family Services Act).
• Demonstrated alignment with St. Joseph’s Health Centre Values.
• Ability to type notes and access/navigate hospital electronic systems for the provision of care to patients.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and learning.
• Satisfactory attendance record.

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.  All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. 

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