PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Boston, MA

Employment Type: Permanent Job Number: 31690

Job Description

PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER


POSITION SUMMARY

The Nurse Practitioner-Psychiatry is responsible for providing care for psychiatric evaluations, individual and group psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological evaluation and treatment. As an expert professional, the Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the application of the nursing process, supervision of clinical practice, research involvement, consultative services, inter and intradepartmental liaison, education, leadership, and patient care management across the healthcare continuum from preventative, acute care through discharge.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ DUTIES

CLINICAL PRACTICE

Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to patients and families according to established collaborative protocols and standards of care.
• Daily mental status evaluations, consideration and review for the level of care and disposition planning, and progress note documentation for all patients.
• Prescribing medications: medication initiation, a continuance of previous regimens, and agitation management.
• Treatment of acute substance-related withdrawal, including the use of methadone and suboxone.
• Management of acute agitation and crises Initial psychiatric evaluation of individuals in ER and determination of the level of care.
• Coordination of care with a multidisciplinary PES team that includes an attending psychiatrist, RNs, nursing aides, social workers, mental health counselors, substance use specialists, trainees, and public safety.
• Sets priorities for appropriate and efficient management of patient care that reflects cost-effective management of time, available human resources, supplies, and equipment.
• Performs psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacologic treatment and provides preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines and appropriate to patient needs.
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate lab and diagnostic tests to assess patients' clinical problems and health care needs.
• Based on the outcome of diagnostic, lab, and physical assessment findings arranges for an appropriate plan of care and follow-up. Records pertinent patient care findings in the medical record.
• Maintains interdisciplinary approach to planning and communicating patient care information by discussing patient data with appropriate physicians and other health care professionals.
• Evaluates outcomes of patient care and make necessary revisions to the care plan.
• Seeks and provides consultative services as required.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• In collaboration with appropriate physicians, assists in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of nurse practitioner guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrates leadership skills in problem-solving with and directing designated personnel in the assigned clinical areas.
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation that may affect the health care delivery system and the function of the nurse practitioner in the hospital setting. Serves on nursing and hospital committees when requested and refers appropriate information to various departmental and hospital committees as needed.
• Through patient education and counseling, incorporates the concepts of health maintenance, prevention, and promotion into daily practice.
• Demonstrates awareness of community resources and assists staff, patients, and families to effectively utilize them.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of patients regularly served.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT/IMPROVEMENT & RESEARCH

• Consistently participates in the quality assessment/improvement program for the service
• Based on quality improvement finding, identifies appropriate follow-up quality improvement projects or research studies.
• Utilizes quality improvement data and research findings to enhance patient care.
• Participates in patient care research at a level consistent with educational background and experience.


EDUCATION

• Master's degree in nursing required.
• Completion of an accredited educational program for nurse practitioners required


CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with authorization by the Board of Registration in Nursing to practice in an expanded role.
• Registered with the ANCC or other accrediting organization for Nurse Practitioners.
• Registered with the State of Massachusetts and DEA for prescription writing privileges.


EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of current clinical nursing experience and two years experience in Psychiatry required.
• Prior experience in related clinical practice preferred.


KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Expert clinical judgment and ability to be self-directive and demonstrate initiative in an expanded role.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Full command (verbal and written) of the English language.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of adult learning to provide effective patient and/or family education.
• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
• Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate communication with the various members of the health care team, patients, and families.
• Computer proficiency inclusive of the ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information required.
• Physical ability to meet the core job responsibilities in accordance with the practice setting demands for the patient populations regularly served.

To learn more contact
Juli Van Der Meulen
Executive Recruiter
954-906-5186
juliv@ariteam.com

Meet Your Recruiter

Juli Van Der Meulen

Juli began recruiting in New York City in 1983. In 1990 she moved to Florida and joined American Recruiters and helped start its healthcare division.  Juli continues to be a leader in healthcare recruiting because of her commitment to providing outstanding and courteous service to both clients and candidates alike in assisting in meeting their needs.

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