Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre·Hamilton, Ontario
The RPN provides nursing care, medication administration, and health assessments for individuals in a residential substance use and recovery program. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed care and support residents' community reintegration.
Job Type: Temporary Full-time (18 Month Contract)
Position Type: On-Site
$52,000 - $61,000
The Residential Treatment Nurse (Registered Practical Nurse) provides nursing care and assessment, health promotion, medication management, and recovery-focused support to individuals participating in Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre’s Residential Treatment and Recovery Program. Working as part of a multidisciplinary and interprofessional team, the RPN supports residents experiencing substance use challenges, mental health concerns, and complex social needs through compassionate, client-centred care that promotes dignity, safety, and equitable access to health services.
Working within a 24/7 abstinence-based Residential Treatment and Recovery Facility, the RPN delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive nursing care grounded in principles of health equity, social justice, and recovery-oriented practice. The role supports residents throughout their treatment and recovery journey by providing nursing care, medication administration, health education, wellness promotion, crisis intervention, clinical monitoring, and collaborative care planning.
The RPN plays a critical role in supporting the program's structured treatment curriculum and daily recovery programming, working closely with counsellors and other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive integrated and coordinated care. The position supports residents in developing healthy routines, managing chronic health conditions, addressing physical and mental health concerns, and preparing for successful community reintegration.
Working within an anti-racism, anti-oppression, and culturally safe framework, the RPN recognizes the diverse lived experiences of individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, poverty, homelessness, trauma, and systemic inequities. Through nursing care, advocacy, education, and collaboration, the RPN contributes to a safe, respectful, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment that promotes healing and long-term wellness.
The Residential Treatment Nurse (RPN) reports to the Substance Use Health Manager, with overall accountability to the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments, triage, health screening, and ongoing monitoring of residents' physical, mental, and emotional health needs in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario standards.
Support overdose response within the facility, including resident monitoring, emergency intervention, naloxone administration, oxygen therapy, CPR, and coordination with emergency medical services when required.
Monitor residents for changes in health status and communicate concerns to the interdisciplinary team and medical providers at the main HART Hub site.
Provide nursing interventions within scope of practice and coordinate access to higher levels of care when required.
Perform skin and soft tissue assessments, provide basic wound care, infection prevention interventions, and referrals for advanced treatment as appropriate.
Support residents with chronic disease management, medication adherence, and overall wellness planning.
Assist with emergencies and coordinate emergency response when required.
Administer medications safely and accurately in accordance with physician orders, organizational policies, and professional standards.
Monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, and resident adherence.
Maintain medication administration records and documentation.
Support medication reconciliation processes upon admission, during treatment, and at discharge.
Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers regarding medication management and treatment planning.
Support residents experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, recovery-related difficulties, and behavioural concerns.
Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and de-escalation during periods of distress.
Support implementation of the Residential Treatment and Recovery Program's structured treatment curriculum and therapeutic programming.
Participate in daily resident check-ins, case reviews, treatment planning meetings, and interdisciplinary discussions.
Promote resident engagement in therapeutic groups, wellness activities, life skills programming, and recovery-focused services.
Support residents in maintaining structured daily routines that foster accountability, stability, and personal growth.
Collaborate with counsellors and program staff to monitor resident participation and progress.
Hamilton Urban Core is committed to equity in employment.
While we appreciate every application only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Requires a Diploma in Practical Nursing and current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. A minimum of three years of experience in community health, addictions, or mental health is required.
Accompany residents to medical appointments or healthcare-related visits when clinically appropriate.
Provide emergency first aid, CPR, and other nursing interventions within scope of practice.
Ensure emergency equipment, medications, and clinical supplies are maintained and readily accessible.
Participate in emergency preparedness planning and drills.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, charting, electronic medical records, and service tracking in accordance with organizational standards and professional nursing requirements.
Participate in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of treatment plans, health education initiatives, and clinical services within the residential program.
Provide health teaching, disease prevention education, and counselling related to substance use, communicable diseases, medication adherence, and overall wellness.
Develop and contribute to educational materials and knowledge-sharing resources related to substance use health, harm reduction, and wellness promotion.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff to support integrated resident care planning, discharge coordination, and referrals to primary care, specialist, and community-based services.
Participate in case conferences, chart reviews, team meetings, and clinical discussions to support coordinated care.
Support the orientation, mentorship, and supervision of nursing students, placement learners, and new staff as appropriate.
Participate actively in quality improvement, quality assurance, and program evaluation initiatives.
Ensure all clinical equipment and emergency supplies are maintained, monitored, and secured according to program protocols.
Work within anti-racism, anti-oppression, trauma-informed, and culturally safe practice frameworks.
Participate in organizational events, staff activities, and community engagement initiatives as required.
Act as shift lead as required.
Carry out other duties as assigned.
Market context
Ontario nursing roles are often driven by ongoing staffing needs across hospitals, long-term care, community care, and emergency settings. Competition is usually strongest for candidates who already hold the required registration, have at least 18 months of experience, and bring current CPR/BLS, with ACLS and CTAS adding value for emergency postings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, then confirm your credentials and tailor your application to the specific unit or setting.
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