St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton·Laurentian Valley, Ontario
The Registered Practical Nurse provides residential substance use withdrawal and treatment services, including monitoring withdrawal protocols and managing medication cycles. They also perform clinical assessments, provide psycho-educational sessions, and maintain a safe environment for patients in crisis.
Job Number: JR01685 Department: Womankind Addiction Service This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites: Womankind Addiction Service (Hamilton West) Job Type: Regular, Full time Contract Duration: (If applicable) 0 months
Number of positions: 1 Union: CUPE Local 786
$35.91 - $39.02 Schedule Work Days: Holidays, Monday to Sunday, Weekends Time of Day: Days, Nights Shift: Hours -12 Shift Start: (If applicable) AM 07:00, PM 19:00 Reason for Posting: Posting is for a role with an existing vacancy Application Dates Opening Date: 2026-08-18
Closing Date: 2026-08-25
Unit Profile: The Womankind Addiction Service is funded through the Ministry of Health and provides residential substance use withdrawal and treatment services and crisis support, as well as outpatient substance use support. Services are provided to women who are under the influence of a substance, in active withdrawal, in need of a temporary crisis or shelter admission and seeking substance use day or residential treatment programming. The RPN is part of a team which monitors withdrawal using standardized protocols, provides didactic and psycho-educational sessions, counseling sessions, substance use treatment, comprehensive discharge planning, shelter and housing support and pre-treatment and aftercare support services. Support and education are also provided to family members and other clinical supports.
The Registered Practical Nurse, under the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, functions as a member of the nursing team to provide basic assessment and treatments, preventative, educational and/or supportive care. Basic knowledge, decision making and communication techniques are employed in assessment, planning and implementing nursing care.
Successful completion of a provincially recognized educational program for a Registered Practical Nurse Current registration with the Ontario College of Nurses in good standing CPR certificate One year experience working in an addictions specific setting is an asset Experience working with the Mental Health Act and other legislation relevant to practice CPI certification is an asset Completion of a certificate program in addictions/concurrent disorders from an accredited educational institution or willingness to complete upon hire within one year To have strong knowledge of evidence-based harm reduction practices and experience with implementation in practice. Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, professional standards and guidelines, SJHH corporate and departmental Policies and Procedures, including successful completion of WHMIS training. Knowledge of documentation standards, privacy legislation, and health record management processes. Knowledge of the assessment and management of co-morbid medical disorders (ie. diabetes, metabolic monitoring, etc.) Knowledge of psychiatric nursing, mental health and mental illness Knowledge of therapeutic communication and counselling with a clear ability to apply that knowledge to practice Excellent communication skills are required including the ability to communicate in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner with patients Ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with increased knowledge of issues related to therapeutic boundaries Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills Ability to set own workload priorities and document according to standards Basic skill level with computers, MSWord, internet searches, data entry and patient information system
Maintains confidentiality and release of information in accordance with hospital policy at all times Obligation to review when necessary and commit to applicable departmental and hospital policies and procedures at all times Administers medications and treatments, records observations as per CNO standards and hospital policies Maintains a safe and secure environment including responding to medical emergencies, and rapidly changing situations; and initiate measures to relieve crisis or emergent situations. Performs clinical procedures as needed: vital signs monitoring, clinical monitoring, specimen collection, dressing changes, urine testing for glucose and acetone, etc., in accordance with CNO standards and hospital policy and procedures Conduct individual substance use/dependence histories/assessments and psychiatric and mental health assessments; collect and document client status; report status and changes in status to the inter-disciplinary team. Respond to medical emergencies, and rapidly changing situations; and initiate measures to relieve crisis or emergent situations. Manage clients' medications through the complete cycle of obtaining/liaising with the community pharmacy, verifying medication, dispensing medication, and ensuring onsite quality and safety of the medication reconciliation process, handling and monitoring for the program. Accompanies patients to other areas/departments as assigned and appropriate Provides oral, verbal, and written reports on patient progress to the appropriate care teams, healthcare workers, or external organizations (when needed and appropriate) Documentation of all relevant clinical information and interventions through Dovetale, RAI, and other relevant software or processes as per the hospital and departmental standards Performs related duties as assigned by the NP and/or physician or clinical manager or delegate Demonstrates competence (knowledge/skills/attitude) in the use of non-violent physical crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and other best practices available to promote healing and recover "
St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process (recruit@stjoes.ca).
Candidates must have a provincially recognized RPN educational program completion and current registration with the Ontario College of Nurses. Strong knowledge of evidence-based harm reduction, mental health legislation, and therapeutic communication skills are required.
Market context
In Ontario, Registered Practical Nurse roles are commonly sought in long-term care, rehabilitation, and other geriatric settings, where employers look for candidates with current College of Nurses of Ontario registration, BCLS, medication administration certification, and at least one year of relevant experience. These positions can be competitive because employers often offer benefits such as health and dental coverage, vacation, and share-based programs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your credentials and experience align before applying.