Clinical Extern - Professional Practice Office

CAMH is seeking interested nursing students or internationally educated nurses to join the Clinical Extern Program. This opportunity is an exciting way for students in RN and RPN entry-to-practice programs to contribute their knowledge and skills in a psychiatric care environment. Successful candidates must be able to complete a 2-week orientation that requires in-person attendance from Mon-Fri (0830-1630). As such, start dates will be coordinated for Jan. 2027 or from April 2027-August. 2027 during semester breaks to support attendance for this session.

Clinical externs will gain valuable patient care experience and build connections with a team of passionate interprofessional care providers in a hospital setting. Clinical Externs may be considered for nursing opportunities upon graduation and licensure. Reporting to the manager of the Nursing Innovation & Transition Program, the Clinical Extern is an unregulated health care provider working within a changing environment and interprofessional team to advocate for and promote wellness while ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and ethical care. The Clinical Extern works in collaboration with the team under the supervision of a Regulated Nurse (Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse) and Extern Mentor Coordinator while contributing to the advancement of practice excellence. The Clinical Extern will develop their competencies through learning, education, experience and reflective practice.

Clinical Externs are expected to attend all orientation and onboarding activities in a full-time capacity. Post-orientation, Clinical Externs are expected to work a minimum of one 12hr shift per week to meet their 0.25 FTE.

Duties include (but are not limited to)

Practices under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a nurse (RN or RPN) to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to perform all actions/duties;

Follows organizational policies and professional standards while taking into account the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) guidance for unregulated care providers;

Participates in patient assessments (e.g. mental status exam, suicide risk, physical health assessments) and assists with activities of daily living;

Requests assistance with assigned duties when necessary;

Contributes to care planning, safety planning and evaluation;

Provides assistance with lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating as needed;

Assists with comfort measures and patient safety by ensuring the environment is clean and tidy and free of hazards;

Engages in additional skills as approved;

Requests assistance with assigned duties whenever in need;

Provides transfer of accountability at shift report and when going on break;

Contributes to and supports positive team functioning

Qualifications

Nursing students between 1st and 4th year of a College of Nurses of Ontario Baccalaureate Nursing Program (e.g. BNSc), or final year of a College of Nurses of Ontario approved Practical Nursing program OR

Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who have initiated registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), have received a CNO letter of direction and meet one of the following:

are in any year of study in a CNO approved program, such as a BScN-IEN program, PN-IEN program, or

are completing a micro-credential plan with a curriculum to meet the CNO requirements for registration (e.g., Standards of Practice for nursing, Entry-to-Practice Competencies, Evidence of Safe Practice, Evidence of English Language Proficiency) or

have completed their educational requirements (e.g., BScN-IEN/PN-IEN program or micro-credentialing) and are waiting to write their registration exam

Excellent academic standing

Current certificate in Basic Cardiac Life Support required

Demonstrated infection prevention and control practices is an asset

Demonstrated excellent problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking skills

Demonstrated excellent organizational and time-management skills

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills

Psychiatric/mental health nursing experience (clinical practicums) with individuals with mental illness and/or addictions is an asset.

The ability to work with clients of diverse cultural and social backgrounds is necessary.

Computer literacy is required.

Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in a second language would be an asset.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

CAMH is a Tobacco-Free Organization.

Clinical Externs are expected to attend all orientation and onboarding activities in a full-time capacity. Post-orientation, Clinical Externs are expected to work a minimum of one 12hr shift per week to meet their 0.25 FTE.

Salary Range: $20.60 per hour

CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a teaching hospital and research institute. As a CAMH employee, you will be expected to actively support CAMH’s teaching and research activities, in addition to supporting the clinical work of the hospital.

At CAMH, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment to equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

CAMH actively seeks candidates from First Nations, Métis and Inuit, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities, women, and people with disabilities (including people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges).

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please inform us if you require accommodations during the interview process.
CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.
CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.
CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at: www.camh.ca.

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