REGISTERED PRACTICAL NURSE (RPN) – NORTH SIMCOE ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT TEAM (NS ACTT) - FLOAT – FULL-TIME, TEMPORARY (12 MONTHS) – MIDLAND & ORILLIA, ON

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch seeks an RPN, who, in accordance with the agency’s policies, standards, and guidelines, provides client-centered assessment, treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation/support services based on guidelines of the ACTT model of care. The RPN – ACTT Float position will provide main support to the North Simcoe ACT Team (Midland, Orillia). RPN – NS ACTT Float may be required to provide support to the other ACT Teams as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum three (3) years experience in psychiatric nursing (community-based preferred).
• A Registered Practical Nurse registered as a member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Must have access to a vehicle, a valid Ontario driver’s license, and adequate automobile insurance.
• Fluency in French or another second language would be an asset.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.

· Perform as a member of a critically essential program with other multidisciplined clinicians.
· Perform all aspects of nursing care within the professional scope of a RPN in accordance with standards of nursing established by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
· Perform nursing and general duties as specified within the ACTT model of care.
· Complete physical health assessments to thoroughly determine the health status of clients as well as any medical conditions present, and ensure appropriate treatments, follow-up, and support are provided.
· Participates in a multi-disciplinary consultive, client-centred recovery orientated specialized mental health treatment/medical service delivery model.
· Provides the majority of the treatment, rehabilitation and support services, in addition to clinical & psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery for persons who have the most serious mental illness, have severe symptoms and functional impairments, and have not benefited from traditional outpatient programs.
· The ACT team is mobile and delivers majority of treatment, rehabilitation, and assertive outreach in the community. 75% or more of the services are provided outside of the program offices.
· Responsible for assessing and documenting the client’s mental illness symptoms and behaviors and response to medication and shall monitor for medication side effects. Report clinical assessments to team psychiatrist.
· Responsible for delivery, observation, monitoring of compliance, and documentation of medication.
· Review and transcribe Doctor’s orders.
· Responsible for monitoring blood work via Local Labs and CSAN (clozapine)
· Communicate with client pharmacies and perform as a collaborative member with Medisystems pharmacy.
· Accountable and timely reporting to appropriate team clinicals/psychiatrists of any concerns or changes in mental status.
· Daily review of transfer of accountability report, risk management interventions and care planning
· Provide the team, clients, families, and others with specialized consultation and education related to nursing issues.
· Develop, implement, and document, OCAN/Recovery Plans in conjunction with clients and other ACTT members.
· Creation and facilitation of therapeutic and skill building groups.
· Coordinate and monitor the activities of the clients’ individualized recovery plans, including but not limited to: psychiatric illness or symptom reduction, housing activities of daily living, daily structured employment and family and social relationships.
· Provide counselling to assist clients in accomplishing their goals and managing their symptoms/day-to-day stressors.
· Consult with other service providers to promote continuity of care for the clients.
· Provide on-call crisis intervention to ACTT clients during regular work hours (and during after work hours on a rotational basis).
· Provide support/education to clients’ families and social support networks.
· Administer and monitor medications as per doctor’s orders. Responsible for packaging/checking medication for safe administration by non-nursing staff.
· Assist clients with their ADL’s such as budgeting, shopping, meal planning/preparation, housekeeping, use of transportation, personal grooming, laundry, keeping appointments, etc.
· Aid clients/participants in securing housing and support services. Including, conducting SPDAT’s (Service Prioritization and Decision Assistance Tool).
· Provide support, monitoring and advocacy for clients to obtain and maintain housing.
· Provides clients with education and support regarding healthy lifestyles.
· Provide education to community service providers and other stakeholders regarding ACTT, mental health, and nursing-related issues.
· Responsible for transporting clients in the community and, on occasion, outside of the geographical area.
· Support other ACTTs managed by CMHA SCB as needed.
· Responsible for Med reconciliation in consultation with prescribers, pharmacists, and other health care providers.