CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)

Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are vital members of the mental health care team in Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), providing compassionate, evidence-based care across a wide range of settings. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced professional, PMH offers diverse opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Education & Training

• Manitoba Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN) – 4-year degree
  Offered at Brandon University (Brandon & Winnipeg campuses)
  Brandon University BScPN Program
• Out-of-Province Graduates: Must meet Manitoba standards and be eligible for registration with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM).
• Refresher/Re-entry Program:
  For former Canadian-trained RPNs who have been out of practice.
  Offered by Douglas College (BC) – self-paced, distance learning (up to 31 months)
  CRPNM Education Info

Where RPNs Work in Mental Health and Addictions Services

Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) in PMH are integral to a wide spectrum of mental health and addictions services, spanning acute care, crisis response, community outreach, and long-term recovery. Their roles are embedded in the following service areas:

Emergency & Crisis Services

• Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU): 24/7 mobile and phone-based support for individuals in mental health crisis, offering on-site assessments and interventions.
• Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU):
  • Adult CSU: 8-bed facility providing short-term intensive care and stabilization.
  • Youth CSU (CATC): 10-bed unit offering 24-hour care, assessment, and individualized treatment planning for youth in crisis.
• Mental Health Liaison Nurse (MHLN): Located in Emergency Departments (Brandon & Dauphin), providing assessments, consultations, and short-term follow-up for patients in psychiatric emergencies.
• Crisis Response Service (CRS): Telephone-based support for adults in psychosocial crisis, especially in northern PMH.
• Community Trauma Team: Trained professionals and community members offering post-trauma support.

Acute & Specialized Services

• Centre for Adult Psychiatry (CAP): 25-bed locked unit for adults (18–64) experiencing acute psychiatric illness or crisis.
• Centre for Geriatric Psychiatry (CGP): 22-bed locked unit for seniors (65+) requiring specialized mental health care.
• Parkland Mental Health Centre (PMHC): 10-bed locked unit serving northern PMH adults in psychiatric crisis.
• Medical Withdrawal Management Services (MedWMS): Inpatient care for individuals undergoing severe or complex substance withdrawal.

Community-Based Services

• Community Mental Health & Addictions Counselling: Individual and group therapy, education, and consultation across age groups.
• Shared Care (My Health Team): Brief interventions for anxiety, depression, and stress in collaboration with primary care.
• Mental Health Resource Nurses (MHRNs): Provide clinical support and assessments in long-term care and rural hospitals.
• Prevention & Education Consultants: Deliver public education and support policy development.
• Huddle Brandon: Youth-focused hub offering mental health, substance use, and cultural services.

Intensive Community-Based Services

• Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT): Multidisciplinary teams supporting individuals with serious mental illness through assertive outreach.
• Early Intervention for Psychosis (EIS): Intensive case management and family support for early-stage psychosis.
• Mental Health Promotion Clinic: Community-based medication support and mental health education.
• Youth Day Treatment Program: 12-week therapeutic and academic program for youth aged 7–14.
• Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM): Walk-in clinic for substance use support and medication-assisted treatment.
• Manitoba Opioid Support & Treatment (MOST): Long-term support for opioid dependency.
• Mobile Withdrawal Management Services (MobWMS): Community-based withdrawal care with a multidisciplinary team.

Intensive Community Bed-Based Services

• McTavish Manor & Amberwood Village: 24-hour transitional housing with supportive services.
• In-House Addiction Treatment: Structured 21- and 28-day programs in Brandon and Ste. Rose, with optional 6-week Recovery Beyond 21 (RB21) follow-up.

Career Pathways

Advanced Roles – Nurse III

• School-Based Mental Health & Addictions Nurse
  Provides direct clinical care, education, and early intervention in schools.
• Mental Health Liaison Nurse
  Works in Emergency Departments to assess, stabilize, and coordinate care for patients in crisis.
• Liaison Nurse (CSU & MCU)
  Leads integrated crisis services and supports community mental health programs.
• Mobile Withdrawal Management Nurse

Leadership Roles – Nurse IV

• Client Care Coordinator
  Oversees patient flow, admissions, and discharges; liaises with psychiatrists and care teams.
• Mental Health Promotion Clinic Nurse
  Delivers education, case management, and medication support in a community setting.
• RAAM Clinic Nurse
• Nurse Educator

RPNs in Long-Term Care (LTC)

• Clinical Resource Nurse (CRN)
  Leads care planning and clinical supervision in Personal Care Homes.
• Mental Health Resource Nurse (MHRN)
  Provides expert consultation and supports staff in delivering recovery-focused care for residents with complex mental health needs.

LTC RPNs play a key role in:

• Assessment and care planning
• Resident and family education
• Ethical decision-making
• Promoting mental health literacy and recovery-oriented care

Career Growth

With experience, RPNs can pursue:

Management and leadership opportunities across PMH

Team Lead and Coordinator roles

Specialized clinical positions