Clinical Extern

Position Details

Job Number: 

JR01384

Department:

Mood Disorders Waterfall 1

This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:

West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Job Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term), Part time

Contract Duration: (If applicable)

9 months

Number of Positions:

1

Union:

CUPE Local 786

Hourly Rate (Min / Max):

$27.25 - $27.25

Schedule

Work Days:

Monday to Sunday

Time of Day:

Days, Nights

Shift:

Hours -12

Shift Start: (If applicable)

AM 07:00, PM 19:00

Reason for Posting:

Posting is for a new role

Application Dates

Opening Date:

2026-07-30

Closing Date:

2026-08-06

Job Description

Job Summary: 

The Clinical Extern are unregulated healthcare providers who will be working as part of interprofessional team and provide patient-centered care under the direct and/or indirect supervision of an identified Health Professional and who reports to the unit manager. The Clinical Extern will practice in a manner consistent with the organizational Mission, Vision, and Values in alignment with the outlined job description, while considering the limitations in their ability to perform controlled acts as authorized by the professional colleges. The Clinical Externs will be hired on a contract part-time basis and the hours of work will be determined based on individual availability and unit needs which will include day/evening/night and weekend shifts. 

Mood Disorders (W1) – West 5th Campus

• The Mood Disorders Program employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, vocational rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and research staff who assess and treat individuals with Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, unipolar depression and Bipolar and Related Disorders bipolar disorder. The Program integrates optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the person.

• A 24-bed inpatient unit provides clinical care and treatment and prepares patients for their return to the community. The inpatient program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies with the aim of controlling the symptoms of a mood disorder, as well supporting recovery and rehabilitation. Along with pharmacotherapy, several group therapies are offered including stress management, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and activities of daily living (ADL). Extensive education and support is provided to patients and their families. In addition to pharmacotherapy, patients have access to several therapeutic groups, including skills and strategies, emotion regulation, art therapy, and activities of daily living (ADL). Extensive education and ongoing support are also provided to patients and their families.

Key Qualifications/Job Requirements: 

Must be enrolled in the following programs: 

• Registered Nurse (RN) Students enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program OR

• Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Students enrolled in their final year of study with an accredited nursing program OR 

• Undergraduate Medical Students in the final year of a program; recent Canadian Medical Graduates awaiting start of residency OR 

• Respiratory Therapy Students in their 2nd or 3rd year of study in a Diploma Program OR 

• Paramedic Students who are in an approved Paramedic Program; 2nd year of study 

• Occupational Therapy Students OR

• Physiotherapy Students 

• Current certificate in BLS 

• Completion of any orientation and mandatory training provided by SJHH 

• Demonstrated IPAC practices 

• Evidence of good academic standing with enrolled program 

• Evidence of successful learning experiences in recent clinical placements 

• Ability to communicate in a confidential, professional, diplomatic and friendly manner when interacting with patients, families, staff, physicians, students and volunteers 

• Ability to work as a member of a team and request guidance and consultation 

• Acquired competencies to provide safe, high quality and compassionate care reflective of level of formal education and in accordance with organizational Mission and Vision 

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills including clinical judgment, problem solving, and evaluation skills reflective of level of formal education 

• Demonstrated attitude and behavior that conveys respect and dignity of all persons 

• Demonstrated excellent organizational and time-management skills 

• Excellent attendance record  
  Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Practice under the direct and/or indirect supervision of the Healthcare Professional (eg. RN, RPN, Respiratory Therapist etc) in a manner consistent with SJHH’s Mission, Vision, policies and procedures and in accordance with the CNO Practice Guideline for Working with Unregulated Care Providers 

• Carry out or assist with activities of daily living with the goal of supporting and optimizing patient independence and functioning. These activities may include both patient care activities and non-patient care activities as follows: 
   
  Patient Care Activities:  
  In consultation and collaboration with supervising healthcare professional: 

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (e.g. feeding, toileting, bathing, dressing, etc.) 

• Mobility Assistance (lifting, turning, positioning, transfer, ambulation, etc.) 

• Provision of measures to ensure skin integrity 

• Answering call bells 

• Taking patients’ Vital Signs, height and weight 

• Assistance with comfort measures and involvement in comfort rounds 

• Contribution to care planning and implementation of existing care plan interventions under direction of the nurse 

• Activation, companionship, and social engagement 

• Reporting changes in patient status or safety concerns to a supervising nurse 

• Falls Risk Assessment 

• Pain Assessment 

• Braden Scale Assessment 

• CAM Assessment 

• Other care activities as needed and appropriate for clinical area and patient population served 

• Documenting care provided and notify supervising healthcare professional of findings 
  Clinical Externs in their final year or semester of study, upon successful completion of the Clinical Extern Competency Test and educational orientation, may accept delegation of following acts: 

• Point of Care Testing (POCT) Glucose 

Hours of Work: 
Rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights and weekends

As a reminder, please note the following weekly availability requirements for clinical externs: 

From September 1st to April 30th: You must work One 12-Hour shift per week

From May 1st to August 31st : You must work Two 12- Hour shifts per week 

For those of you who are accelerating their studies and are attending classes during the summer, you would follow the requirement on 1 x 12 hour shift a week throughout the year.  

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, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHH is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process.