Assistant Head Nurse

Adult Inpatient Psychiatry at Rockyview General Hospital (RGH) provides acute care for adults with a principal psychiatric disorder. At times admissions can include geriatric and adolescent patients. We provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care through nursing, medical staff, psychology, social work, occupational therapy and recreational therapy. The Assistant Head Nurse (AHN) is a leadership position responsible for the coordination of care for all patients on the unit. The AHN is the first level leadership resource for all staff on the unit and is expected to be a mentor. The AHN provides leadership in planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of patient care, initiatives, and educational activities that impact the nursing unit. This person must be able to administer skilled nursing care, participate in teaching mental health management to staff, patients, and the patient’s family. The Assistant Head nurse is responsible for assisting in the delivery of educational and operational needs which includes legislation, competencies, quality improvement, strategic planning and organizational needs. This person will foster a positive environment conducive to learning, growth and collaboration. The Assistant Head nurse will liaise and collaborate with both internal and external partners within the Addiction and Mental Health continuum. This position will work in collaboration with the entire multidisciplinary team, within a fast-paced acute care environment. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

At least 5 years nursing experience in an acute adult inpatient psychiatric setting within the last 5 years is required. At least 2 years Charge nurse experience required. Strong ability to create complex care plans. Strong leadership skills and ability to navigate conflict. Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility. Able to adapt to change effectively. Strong demonstrated ability to integrated AHS values and competencies. Ability to promptly, respectfully, resolve conflict in keeping with AHS Policies, Values and code of conduct. Group facilitation and co-facilitation is a strong asset. Advanced knowledge and expert understanding of DSM-V, symptomatology and treatment modalities/interventions, Alberta Mental Health Act, and other governing standards/ legislation for practice required. Demonstrated ability in Acute Mental Health Crisis Management. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (NVCI) certification required or must be obtained after employment. Strong critical thinking, assessment, strong knowledgebase in mental health and intervention skills required. Demonstrated ability to maintain collaborative working relationship with patients, families and team members. Demonstrated interpersonal, communication skills and a demonstrated patient and family centered approach required. Computer proficiency required. Demonstrated motivation to learn and participate in professional development and educational programs.

Formal Tier one or Tier two training in Collaborative Problem Solving. Strong working knowledge of Collaborative Problem Solving. Formal training preferred. Experience providing educational support to adult learners an asset. Ability to be trauma informed in approach. Training in trauma informed practice. Ability to integrate harm reduction approach. Training in concurrent/harm reductions approach.