PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Position Summary:

Provide psychiatric care to patients within the established regulations of the State of Arizona and the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Comply with Medical Staff By-laws, Rules and Regulations and with the Clinical Privileges document signed by the Director of Behavioral Health and Chief Medical Officer/designee (which shall not exceed the privileges authorized by the Joint Board).

Organize data concerning patient’s family, medical history, and onset of symptoms obtained from patient, relatives, and other resources. Examine patient to determine general physical condition, following standard medical procedures. Determines nature and extent of mental disorder, and formulate treatment program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Carry out clinical/patient care responsibilities in outpatient facilities of the SMH as assigned.
• Refer patients to physician when indicated.
• Provide psychiatric care, including history and physical examinations, screening and evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, preventive and counseling services, patient education, and appropriate referral, all within the scope of privileges authorized by the Joint Commission Board and SMH.
• Keep complete and careful records on all patient encounters.
• Maintain a log of all controlled substance dispensed and prescribed.
• Adhere to the Arizona regulations regarding the time frame for prescribing or dispensing controlled and non-controlled substances.
• Provide continuity of care of patients, but for patients with serious mental illness, obtain physician evaluation at least every twelve (12) months.
• Participate in and attend hospital required trainings and orientations.
• Meet and comply with standards of SMH Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Conduct psychiatric consultation, as requested on patients in OPD, Inpatient, and ER.
• Performs clinical counseling services as required.
• Maintain confidentiality according to HIPPAA standards.
• Attend regular meetings of the Medical Staff.
• Provide recommendations to Policy and Procedure development and implementation.
• Participate in Medical Staff and other SMH committee work as assigned.
• May be asked to represent the SMH to Chapters and Health Advisory Committees.
• Employee may be requested to perform other duties not detailed in this job description related to the behavioral health department. Any concerns with any duties assigned that employee may feel are not appropriate or within scope of practice should be drafted in a written concern and given to Director of Behavioral Health and a copy included to Human Resources and Medical Staff.
• Function at a professional level with any caseload.
• Organize work habits demonstrating accuracy, appropriate documentation of Behavioral Health activities in accordance with departmental standards.
• Complete patient care activities in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Accurately document patient information.
• Communicate with patients and their families, at all times, in a courteous, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Initiate opportunities to improve teamwork functions by identifying problems and recommending solutions.
• Perform duties not listed, but requiring attention, to promote a neat, clean, and safe patient environment.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Perform job responsibilities in a professional and efficient manner.
• Offer positive ideas and suggestions to improve the work area, or certain processes to benefit patients.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with co-workers.
• Respond in a professional manner when patient care needs or requirements are demanding.
• Demonstrate a willingness to work extra time when workload justifies need.
• Adhere to dress code and personal grooming policies for the job.
• Demonstrate good manners and safe work habits
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
• Unrestricted Arizona license as a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Psychiatric and Mental Health.
• Must be board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
• Must possess a current DEA license.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• One (1) year or more work experience in mental health preferred.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Employee Health Program requirements and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Interviewing, history taking and counseling skills.
• Skill in physical examination, screening techniques, patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Ability to recognize limitations and when to refer appropriately.
• Ability to relate effectively and compassionately to patients.
• Ability to relate effectively to physician and non-physician colleagues, and to work as a member of the health care team.
• Knowledge and application of psychiatric diagnosis
• Knowledge of indications and contra-indications of psychotropic medications.
• Familiarity with Navajo and Arizona law regarding voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions.
• Perform detailed, accurate mental status exams.
• Knowledge of criteria for determining if patients require inpatients or outpatient treatment.
• Knowledge of skills in the treatment of patients with alcoholism and other addictions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand all day, reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds or more depending on situation.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in a patient office with moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.