Registered Nurse - Forensic Psychiatry (R3) (Primary)/ Forensic Psychiatry (M2) (Secondary)

Be among the first 25 applicants.

Position Details

• Posting #: 33169
• Department: Forensic – General Unit 1
• Employee Type: Regular, Full Time
• Union: ONA
• Openings Remaining: 1
• Reason for Posting: This position is for an existing vacancy.

Schedule

• Work Days: Monday to Sunday, Weekends, Holidays
• Time of Day: Weekends, Days, Nights
• Shift: Rotating, 12‑hour
• Shift Start: Hours subject to change based on operational requirements.
• Sites: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Application Dates

• Opening Date: 23/12/2025
• Closing Date: 30/12/2025 (Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date)

Position Description

Unit Profile: The Forensic Psychiatry Program works toward restoring and maintaining the mental health and well‑being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multidisciplinary team provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services, including clinical, risk, and medico‑legal assessments, inpatient treatment in secure environments, and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central‑South region and Halton.

Position Summary: The Registered Nurse provides care for patients in accordance with the mission, vision and values of SJHH and the Mental Health and Addiction Program (MHAP), the standards of practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario, and the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nursing (CFMHN) standards. The RN delivers person‑centred, recovery‑ and trauma‑informed care, working with the inter‑professional team to provide holistic specialized nursing care for patients with complex mental illnesses. The RN completes assessments, plans and organizes treatment interventions, documents and evaluates interventions, and models professional leadership and decision‑making support.

Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• CNA certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CPMHN) is preferred.
• Current CPR certification.
• CPI – Crisis Prevention Training (or completion during clinical orientation).
• Minimum one year of recent mental health nursing experience with demonstrated knowledge and ability in caring for patients with serious mental illness.
• Knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act, Consent and Capacity, and other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, professional standards and guidelines, SJHH corporate and departmental policies, and successful completion of WHMIS training.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, privacy legislation, and health record management processes.
• Knowledge of assessment and management of comorbid medical disorders (e.g., diabetes, metabolic monitoring).
• Knowledge of Mental Status Examinations (MSE).
• Knowledge of individual counselling and group skills (e.g., DBT, MI, IPT, CBT, behavioral activation).
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management, trauma‑informed care and alternatives to seclusion and restraint.
• Knowledge of safe and secure environment practices for clients, families and teams.
• Proficient computer skills; successful completion of Resident Assessment Instrument – Mental Health (RAI‑MH) training upon hire.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Leadership, problem‑solving, critical thinking and team‑building skills.
• Interpersonal and de‑escalation skills.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology, including current psychotropic medications and side effects.

Forensic Service‑specific Qualifications

• Prior recent psychiatric/mental health nursing experience is required; additional experience in forensic psychiatry is preferred.
• Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered offenders.
• Familiarity with risk assessment tools (e.g., HARM/AIS).
• Understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered offenders.

NOTE: The successful applicant will be cross‑trained to provide shift coverage for the combined unit – Forensic Psychiatry (M2). Tours on M2 will be scheduled in conjunction with the applicant’s R3 schedule and will be determined by the needs on both units.

St. Joseph’s Nursing Vision

To make a difference in the lives of those we care for, our organization and the community through nursing excellence, and commitment to a culture of innovation, empowerment, leadership and accountability.

Equal Opportunity Employment

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all our 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 of SJHH. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier‑free recruitment and selection process – please inform us if accommodation is required at any point.