CMHA Durham·Ontario
The Registered Practical Nurse provides nursing services and case management for clients on Community Treatment Orders with severe and persistent mental illness. Responsibilities include developing care plans, administering medication, performing assessments, and collaborating with inter-professional teams to support client recovery.
Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years. During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.
Provides registered practical nursing services and case management supports to Community Treatment Order (CTO) clients with severe and persistent mental illness within the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham.
Participates as a member of a high performance team providing nursing services and managing a caseload of CTO individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness within a variety of community settings Liaises with the CTO Coordinator from Lakeridge Health Oshawa and staff within the organization, providing intense ongoing support to individuals being placed on CTO Develops, implements and maintains individualized nursing client care plans supporting the clients’ goals and provides case management to clients for the duration of the CTO Assists clients with access and linkages with other appropriate services, as necessary Reviews clients’ assessment information discussing clients’ medical, psychiatric and social issues and completes/updates comprehensive nursing mental health assessments including mental status exams Monitors, reviews and updates care plans on a scheduled basis revising plans, as necessary, ensuring flexibility to meet clients’ needs Maintains current, complete and accurate client documentation Provides information and resources to clients on chronic and terminal illnesses Provides health education to clients on their medication, including side effects, drug/alcohol interactions and importance of compliancy Assesses the significance of changes in the client’s clinical status and intervenes, when necessary, to minimize crisis intervention situations Participates in the development of a discharge plan in collaboration with clients and stakeholders Exchanges and/or transfers nursing knowledge on evidenced-based nursing practices with, or to, team members to assist in the health needs of clients Communicates with psychiatrists at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on an ongoing basis and attends required appointments with clients Administers medication and intramuscular injections/treatments to clients and completes/maintains appropriate documentation Documents client contacts, performs assessments and creates reports in a timely manner, as outlined in CMHA Durham policies and procedures Updates and maintains the Medical Administration Record (MAR) for a caseload of clients including medication audits and liaison with the pharmacy Provides linkages to health care professionals and community resources for further, or more complex, medical challenges Performs other tasks as assigned by management Runs recreational and education groups for clients
Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of staff and clients Maintain valid membership with the RPNAO and to complete the required documents on an annual basis (i.e. Quality Assurance report and Practice Reflection tools)
Registered Practical Nurse Diploma and a minimum of two years’ related mental health experience of equivalent combination of education and experience Membership/Registration in valid/good standing with the Ontario College of Nurses’ Association and the Registered Practical Nurses’ Association of Ontario Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Nursing Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, Health Care Consent Act, Community Treatment Orders and other related legislation in Ontario Sound knowledge of psychotropic medications including usage and potential side effects Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships clients, community, partners and represent the agency in a professional manner at all times Ability to acquire and utilize community resources effectively to meet client’s needs Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to formally present information to individuals or groups in order to develop, implement and monitor nursing care plans and attend meetings Ability to resolve complex client problems in order to ensure a high standard of nursing service Flexibility to adapt to change Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds Ability to think critically and creatively Ability to make accurate nursing assessments and implement best practices Ability to work successfully inter-professionally as well as intra-professionally (i.e. providing comprehensive health care services within the team as well as in partnership with shared-care professionals) Ability to manage crisis situations in a professional manner at all times Valid Ontario Driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook) and Internet Ability to work on call hours
Works on site in office setting, as well as off-site in community settings Exposure to distractions, interruptions and deadlines Some exposure to hazards such as needles, medications, etc.
CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a hybrid working model, memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time, and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most positions, and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.
Read more about us at CMHADurham.org/getinvolved. CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation: we are here to help and support you.
Candidates must hold a Registered Practical Nurse Diploma and maintain valid registration with the Ontario College of Nurses and the Registered Practical Nurses’ Association of Ontario. A minimum of two years of related mental health experience and a valid Ontario driver's license are required.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
