OVERVIEW

Michael Garron Hospital operates two sites that offer withdrawal management services in East Toronto:

• Women’s Withdrawal Management Services (989 Danforth Ave.)
• Men’s Withdrawal Management Services (985 Danforth Ave.)

These facilities provide compassionate and culturally competent spaces for healing and respite for individuals aged 16 and older who are in an acute state of intoxication or withdrawal from alcohol or other substances.
Both our Women’s Withdrawal Management Services and Men’s Withdrawal Management Services are open 24/7. They are open to individuals who self-refer or who are referred by a clinician or member of the community.
As a member of the Toronto East Health Partners network, these MGH 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. An integral member of the interprofessional team, the RN will work collaboratively with Social Workers (MSWs), Residential Counsellors, Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP) to support the overall safety, health and well-being of WMS clients.
The role is suited for a candidate with interest and competency in the development of a new nursing role based on evidence-based practice guidelines for people who are seeking withdrawal from substances.

EXPERIENCE

• BScN preferred; Canadian Nurses Association (C.N.A) Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing preferred.
• Current BLS/CPR.
• Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention or Stop Harm and Violence education required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years of recent mental health and addictions nursing experience required; community or primary care setting preferred (recent within last 5 years), including caring for clients with addictions or substance abuse issues/ concurrent disorders.
• Experience and competence with medical nursing, physical health assessment and management of acute intoxication and withdrawal is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner using well developed leadership, critical thinking, organizational and problem solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Computer proficiency required.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to patient and family centered 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 recovery, harm reduction, addictiontreatment, pharmacotherapy, and 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
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of legislation which guides mental health and addiction nursing practice (example, Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act).
• Satisfactory work and attendance record required.
• All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) 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.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in collaboration with the WMS team, emergency department (ED) and RAAM clinic, the RN will:

• Conduct rapid physical/medical assessments, mental health, addictions and risk assessment and stabilization of patients presenting directly to WMS or being transferred from the ED.
• Provide the full scope of nursing care to patients through all stages of withdrawal and treatment.
• Documentclientprogress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established policies and procedures.
• Approach the planning and 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.
• Incorporate current evidence and best practice into plans of care and in the provision of professional nursing services.
• Collaborate with WMS counsellors, RPNs, NP and other providers to support a comprehensive plan of care for each client suited to his goals.
• Ensure the development of a medication list for each client for discharge.
• Develop discharge plans to support linkages with community services to ensure continuity of care.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Ensure beds are open in the morning and throughout the day according to ourdischarges.
• Staff reference/support for questionable or complicated referrals.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily safety huddles when supervisor is away.
• Provide onboarding and orientation for all new nursing staff at WMS.
• Work with Nurse practitioner to determine stock medication ordering for the unit and picking up medications from hospital for both units when necessary.
• Provide the supervisor with nursing supplies request list before supplies run out.
• Quality controlforall Point of Care (POC) devices at WMS and in person lab visits.
• Provide education on practice issues for both nursing & counselling staff.
• Leading Mock emergency medical drills and provide education response.
• Complete the check lists and requesting bar code access for new staff.
• IPAC initiation and notification of symptomatic/isolated clients.