Registered Nurse (RN) - 12-Month Contract

Who We Are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

Provides primary care nursing services (office and community based) and case management supports for marginalized clients, who may have severe and persistent mental illness, across the lifespan. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Participates to full scope as a member of a clinical team providing nursing services for all clients

Functions within the CMHA Durham hub model in all daily encounters

Completes comprehensive assessments including introductory visits, focused assessments, well-child visits, chronic disease monitoring, etc.

Performs comprehensive mental health assessments

Completes assessments that are holistic and include all medical, psychiatric and social domains

Develops, implements and maintains individualized nursing care plans and provides case management supports to clients

Provides information and resources regarding prevention, healthy lifestyle, sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, nutrition, alternative lifestyles, chronic diseases and terminal illnesses as appropriate

Applies a primary palliative care approach on a regular basis

Participates in treatment monitoring and evaluation of care

Engages in regular outreach work and palliative care assessments etc.

Plans for end-of-life care where indicated

Educates clients on their medication, including side effects, drug/alcohol interactions to foster adherence

Performs venipuncture, ECG’s and cryotherapy

Performs addictions services including counselling (individual, group), withdrawal management, follow up etc.

Exchanges and/or transfers new knowledge about evidenced-based practices within the team

Administers medication/treatments (including IM route) to clients and completes/maintains appropriate documentation

Manages multiple nursing interventions simultaneously in rapidly changing situations

Directs plans of care for highly complex clients

Assists in the development and revision of organization’s policies related to nursing health care

Provides linkages to health care professionals and community resources for further, or more complex, medical challenges

Assesses the significance of changes in the client’s clinical status and intervenes, when necessary, in order to minimize risk to client and staff

Document’s client contact using clinical methods and within predetermined time frames in accordance with CMHA Durham policies and procedures

Performs other tasks as assigned by management

Client Safety

Adhere to CMHA Durham client safety programs including program policies as well as infection prevention and control (IPAC) procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow employees, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.

Other Duties as Assigned

Complies with the organization’s vision, fundamentals, policies and procedures and values

Applies all CNO standards into practice on a daily basis i.e., documentation, standardized information management practices, professionalism, ethics, etc.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

Sits stands and walks daily, and uses personal vehicle in order to perform the duties of the job

Concentration, attentiveness, and critical thinking is required daily to assess clients, administer medications/injections, attend meetings, develop care plans, prepare documents, listen to clients, use nursing equipment, as well as may lift walkers or push wheelchairs as needed

Committed to self-care to maintain therapeutic competencies

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham policies and procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of staff and clients

Completes medication reconciliations ongoing with clients

Qualifications:

Registered Nursing Diploma or Degree and a minimum of two years’ related mental health experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Membership in the College of Nurses of Ontario and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario

Community nursing and/or palliative experience is an asset

Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act and other related legislation in Ontario

Sound knowledge of psychotropic medications including usage and potential side effects

Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships clients, community, partners, staff and represent the agency in a professional manner at all times

Ability to acquire and utilize community resources effectively to meet client’s needs

Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to formally present information to individuals or groups in order to develop, implement and monitor nursing care plans and attend meetings

Ability to resolve complex client problems in order to ensure a high standard of nursing service

Excellent assessment and organizational skills

Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds

Flexibility to adapt to change and support any function required within the clinic (i.e., injections, phlebotomy, administrative support)

Ability to work independently when necessary

Ability to think critically and creatively

Ability to make accurate nursing assessments and implement best practices

Valid Ontario Driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage

Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook), internet

Ability to work a variable schedule which may include evenings and weekends as required

Working Conditions:

Works in a medical office environment and offsite in a community setting including residential homes, alternative clinical locations and shelters

Exposure to clients in crisis

Exposure to abusive/irate clients, deadlines, multiple demands, distractions/Interruptions

Exposure to hazards such as blood/bodily fluids and cleaning fluids

What We Offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program), memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most position and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.

Read more about us at CMHADurham.org/getinvolved.

CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process.   All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation; we are here to help and support you.