Registered Practical Nurse (Withdrawal Management Centre)

OVERVIEW

The Withdrawal Management Service (WMS) is a community-based, 30 bed facility dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals and their families/caregivers requesting assistance in managing substance use/dependency.  This site offers residential services as well as day programs for male identifying clients who often experience a range of mental health and/or medical issues. As a member of the Toronto East Health Partners network, these services are essential to the continuum of care for our community members living with substance use and mental health concerns.

The ideal candidate is committed to providing high quality, evidence-based care in a fast paced and developing clinical environment where roles and responsibilities are continually evolving to better meet the needs of our clients. The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in WMS will work as a member of an inter-professional team comprised of Withdrawal Management Counsellors, Social Workers, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. The RPN role is suited for someone with interest and competency in the development of this new role in this setting. 

Supporting the WMS Counsellors, this position will work closely with the RN/NP team to coordinate and oversee the health and medical aspects of withdrawal from substances and treatment and will be expected to work evenings and weekends, as well as back up vacation coverage.
 

EXPERIENCE

-  Registered Practical Nurse with current Certificate of Registration issued by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Must be in good standing.
-  Completion of specialized training/course in the management of substance use/addictions, preferred.
-  Additional training in harm reduction, recovery, mental health, and various therapeutic modalities such as motivational interviewing or crisis prevention/management, strong assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

-  Minimum 2 years recent clinical experience working with adults living with substance use/dependency, mental health challenges, and concurrent disorders in a community or hospital-based setting.
-  Experience and competence in medical nursing, physical health assessment and the management of acute intoxication and withdrawal.
-  Proven skills and experience in conducting biopsychosocial assessments, mental status evaluations, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning with individuals experiencing challenges with substance use/dependency and/or mental health challenges. 
-  Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner using well developed leadership, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills.
-  Proven ability to evaluate and respond to emerging concerns related client safety and well-being.
-  Experience with preventing and responding to crises.
-  Demonstrated commitment to collaborative client and family centred care.
-  Training, knowledge and experience in anti-oppressive, gender transformative approaches to care/treatment.
-  Demonstrated competency and experience working with diverse communities using a health equity lens.
-  Knowledge and experience applying conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
-  Knowledge and experience working with adults with histories of trauma, abuse, self-harm and/or suicidal behaviour.
-  Knowledge of adult mental health and substance use/addiction resources.
-  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in an interprofessional team environment.
-  Demonstrated commitment to ongoing quality improvement and excellence in care.
-  Strong oral and written communication skills.
-  Excellent interpersonal skills.
-  Demonstrated professionalism, accountability and positive attitude.
-  Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications.
-  Good work and attendance record required.
-  Demonstrated knowledge and application of legislation that guides mental health and addition nursing practice including the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act.
-  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.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.