Job Description
Job Description
Position(s) : Registered Nurse
Competition : 2025-471 (current opportunity)
Status : Part-Time
Union Association : ONA
Salary : $40.24-$57.68 / Hour
Position Summary :
Reporting to the Manager of Mental Health Programs, the Registered Nurse provides a full range of client-centred clinical services, including responding to patients and families in crisis; completing clinical, physical, and risk assessments; administering medications within scope; coordinating care; educating patients and families; advocating for patient needs; supporting discharge planning; and liaising with community partners.
As part of the Acute Crisis Evaluation & Response Team (ACERT), the Registered Nurse functions as the primary nurse for patients presenting in crisis to the Emergency Mental Health Assessment and Care (EMAC) space. Responsibilities include timely psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide and violence risk assessment, medication administration within scope, leading Code Whites, ensuring least restraints practices, coordinating care with psychiatry and the ED team, supporting transitions to Inpatient Mental Health (IPMH), and participating in handovers from police or MCRT as required.
ACERT nurses enhance communication between EMAC, ED, psychiatry, and IPMH; reduce duplicate assessments; and contribute to improved patient safety, flow, and overall care quality.
Practice is expected to align with CNO Standards of Nursing Practice and hospital policies. Ongoing competence is maintained through continuous education and active participation in the CNO Quality Assurance Program.
This role is subject to change as the ACERT model evolves.
Requirements :
Education and Experience :
- Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
- BScN is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Post-diploma certification in psychiatric / mental health nursing considered an asset
- Demonstrated experience with risk assessments, suicide prevention, principles of crisis theory and intervention
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
- Valid BCLS certification
- Competency to administer naloxone in emergent situations
- Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training required
- Completion of Suicide Intervention Training and Crisis Management is considered an asset
- ASIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is considered an asset
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Previous experience working in a Mental Health programProven ability to conduct nursing assessments, risk assessments, and suicide preventionDemonstrated crisis intervention skills for both telephone and in-person encountersDemonstrated knowledge and skill in providing treatment to persons with acute and / or severe mental illnessKnowledge of inpatient and community-based mental health resourcesKnowledge of trauma-informed careExperience providing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention / managementKnowledge of relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, least restraint, RHPA, SDA, HCCA, PHIPA)Knowledge of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment methodsStrong clinical assessment skillsAbility to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teamExperience working in a computerized environmentParticipation in research and continuous quality improvementSensitivity to stigma experienced by those with psychiatric diagnosesCommitment to culturally diverse and 2SLGBTQ-sensitive careExcellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skillsFlexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environmentStrong time management, organizational, and prioritization skillsExcellent attendance and availabilityAbility to act as Code White Leader, apply and monitor restraints safely, conduct Mental Status Exams, document clinical assessments, coordinate transitions to IPMH, and communicate observation levels—core expectations within ACERT practice