Rufus Awharitoma is a trained Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) with over 27 years of cumulative work experience across three continents. He holds a diploma in Adult Psychology and a Master of Business Administration. Originally from Nigeria, Rufus obtained his formal nursing education there and has since built extensive knowledge in the fields of addiction and mental health using evidence-based approaches. An approved NIHB provider, skilled in providing individual and group counselling, clinical and psychosocial assessments, substance abuse and mental health crisis. Rufus offers ongoing support and therapy through programs like NIHB, IRS, MMIW and IDS.
Skilled in the science and practice of nursing care, counselling (CBT & SFBT), and administration. Rufus began his career at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba in Lagos. He later relocated to Ireland, where he practiced at St. Loman’s Hospital in Lucan, Co. Dublin (now St. Patrick’s Hospital Lucan), and at the Department of Psychiatry, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24.
In 2009, Rufus moved to Canada with his family, where he practiced with Vancouver Coastal Health at the Brain Injury and Concurrent Disorder unit at the University of British Columbia. He then joined the Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders (Woodstone Treatment Residence) as a team lead/manager.
In 2012, Rufus joined Alberta Health Services, now known as Recovery Alberta, at the Edmonton Remand Centre’s Safe Community program as a Mental Health Therapist. He later moved to the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) and Access 24/7 programs.
Rufus served as a provincial board member with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) for over five years, contributing to policy development, reviewing the Health Professions Act, and the standards of practice for CRPNA registrants. He also facilitated information sessions for the African Child Well-being project, organized by Immigrant Health Research, and is a strong advocate for quality improvement in addiction and mental health services.
