Registered Psychiatric Nurse

The Regional Police and Crisis Team (RPACT) is a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The Registered Psychiatric Nurse/Registered Nurse (RPN/RN) is a member of a multidisciplinary team and partnered with a law enforcement officer. Each RPN/RN and law enforcement partner will operate out of a local RCMP detachment. Each RPACT unit will fall under the direct leadership of their local zone clinical supervisor and management structure but will also collaborate with the provincial RPACT leadership team, including the RPACT Professional Practice Lead. The RPN/RN, in partnership with law enforcement, is responsible for providing specialized mental health assessment and consultation services in an outreach context. RPNs/RNs work in tandem with RCMP officers to respond to situations related to mental health crises where the individual is committing person, property, and social disorder offenses and requires police and crisis team support. The team will attend community crises that involve individuals presenting with public safety concerns, including those who may pose a danger to themselves and/or the public, those experiencing mental health and addiction issues and who may have a higher risk of being homeless due to the nature of their presenting issues. This position is clinical in nature. In addition to a competitive rate of pay, AHS currently has a Remote Retention Allowance in place to an annual maximum of $3,000. This allowance is non-pensionable and is payable on an hourly basis for all hours paid at the basic rate of pay. 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 a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), you will provide leadership through a wide variety of nursing services to patients (clients, residents) for the purpose of promoting, maintaining or restoring health, mental health and preventing mental illness, injury and disability. You will teach, counsel and advocate on behalf of patients and take necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. You will provide safe, quality, patient- and family-centered care, while reflecting shared vision and values. PLEASE NOTE: Provisional Permit holders will be paid $39.58 - $54.16 per hour. Upon obtaining a full licence, the rate of pay will be adjusted to the applicable Registered Psychiatric Nurse rate in accordance with UNA Article 25.02(b)(i) or (ii) as applicable.

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

Minimum 4 years of relevant mental health experience, including a minimum of 2 years direct crisis experience, preferably in a community setting. Experience working within a multidisciplinary team and community agencies. Experience working with diverse populations. Experience working with vulnerable populations. Able to navigate interpersonal conflict within a team effectively & professionally. Comprehensive knowledge of co-existing medical and mental illnesses which significantly impact the lives of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Must be confident to work from a concurrent capable perspective. Comprehensive knowledge of the Alberta Mental Health Act and legislation. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. High level of interpersonal skills. Extensive experience conducting addiction, mental health and suicide risk assessments and formulate a provisional diagnosis independently. Ability to set priorities and organize time effectively. Ability to work in stressful, demanding and changing conditions. Solid foundational knowledge of intervention and treatment modalities relevant to various clinical disorders and psychosocial and environmental problems. Strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills. Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric medications and factors of desired and side-effects of those medications is required for assessment within the scope of practice of your professional designation. Basic computer/word processing skills.

Demonstrated ability to work within forensic populations. Experience conducting single-session, supportive counselling. Comprehensive knowledge of relevant community resources and agencies is an asset.