Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)- Mental Health

Position Summary

The Mental Health Inpatient Unit provides short-term inpatient assessment, stabilization, and treatment for adults experiencing acute mental health challenges. Our 22-bed unit includes an Intensive Treatment Area (ITA) for patients requiring heightened observation and intervention, as well as the main mental health unit, where Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) will primarily work with individuals who benefit from a supportive, recovery-focused setting.

As a Registered Practical Nurse, you will play a key role within a multidisciplinary team, engaging directly with patients and providing compassionate, hands-on care. Through therapeutic relationships, you will empower patients to build resilience, enhance coping skills, and progress on their journey toward recovery.

We believe in a patient-centered approach that views each individual beyond their diagnosis, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and healing environment. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with patients and their families, setting individualized goals, and actively involving them in their treatment plans.

Required

• Current Certificate of Registration in good standing, or eligible for registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• A current CPR or BCLS Certificate.
• Current NVCI or within 3 months of hire.
• Capable of coping with a demanding workload. (Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) available to review).
• Commitment to continuing education in mental health.
• Must have a satisfactory Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Check.
  
  

Duties

• Collaborate with patients and the healthcare team to create and implement recovery-focused care plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
• Provide hands-on support and patient care, including therapeutic activities, within the scope of nursing.
• Facilitate a therapeutic environment where patients feel safe, supported, and empowered to engage in their recovery journey.
• Assist patients in developing in coping strategies and reinforcing their strengths and resilience
• Support medication management by administering prescribed medications, monitoring effects, and educating patients on their treatment plans.
• Participate in therapeutic de-escalation techniques, with the support of the team, to help patients manage challenging moments in a safe and compassionate manner.
• Actively contribute to a team-based model of care that prioritizes communication, continuity, and compassion.
• Maintain thorough nursing records and document patient progress toward recovery, ensuring relevant information is shared with the healthcare team.
  
  

Why This Role Matters

• This position offers an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. As a valued member of the team, you’ll contribute to a meaningful, patient-centered approach to care that prioritizes empathy, respect, and dedication to helping individuals find their path to recovery.
  
  

Our family of four hospitals play an integral role in improving lives and creating healthier communities. We work together as one team across our hospitals to provide local and regional health care services, and also work in partnership with our communities to improve access to high-quality care, close to home. We are incredibly fulfilled by the work that we do, and proud of our dynamic teams of staff, physicians and volunteers who care deeply about our patients, and each other. We don’t just serve our communities, we are part of them. We live here, raise our families here and, quite often, retire here in the community that we love. Quinte Health is always looking for compassionate, dedicated people to join our team. We have a wide range of exciting roles, some which involve working across more than one of our hospitals, and some which are situated at just one hospital.

Physical Demands Analysis

Strength

• Required Occasionally – lifting and carrying average weight 20 pounds and max 50, pushing/pulling average 10-15 pounds and max 30 pounds, patient assist approx. 100 pounds
  
  

Mobility

• Required Constantly – standing
• Required Frequently – walking, bending/stooping
• Required Occasionally – sitting, twisting/turning, bending, crouching/squatting, kneeling
• Required Rarely – balancing, climbing
  
  

Dexterity

• Required Frequently – forward shoulder movements, gripping/grasping, pinching, neck, elbow, shoulder, wrist and back normal range of motion
• Required Occasionally/Frequently – fine finger movements, shoulder movements (up/down)
• Required Rarely – foot action
  
  

Eye Hand Coordination

• Required Occasionally/Frequently (general and precise)
  
  

Posture and Joint Position

• Occasionally – normal ADL, ranges
• Occasionally – normal ADL, wrist and back position may be subject to high forces or awkward sustained postures/positions
  
  

Sensory/Mental

• Above average communication skills, and ability to tolerate and manage difficult and/or aggressive situations
• Assessment and maintenance of a safe work environment requires astute awareness
  
  

Equal Opportunity

We thank all interested candidates for their response, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. Quinte Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting needs under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our Recruitment process follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in order to provide a fair and equitable process for all candidates. Applicants requiring accommodation through the recruitment/interview process are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department at 613-969-7400 x2577 or