POSITION DESCRIPTION
Behavioral Health Program
Position: Psychiatric BH Nurse Practitioner Status: Full time
Reports To: Program Psychiatrist
FLSA Status: (Non-Exempt)
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Medical Director, the PNP shall serve as a team member in the provision of Behavioral Health services in accordance with the State of Michigan Nursing Board guidelines. The PNP will assume medical decision-making responsibilities in the assessment and management of Behavioral Health disorders using medications deemed appropriate in the treatment of such disorders. Must have a current license as PNP by the Michigan Board of Nursing. License must be in good standing.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Works collaboratively with the Medical Director to assure optimal care to all patients while assuring cost effective use of all treatments including medications.
- Conducts psychiatric evaluations, prescribes and monitors medications, as appropriate.
- Works collaboratively with primary care providers to assure prescriptions are not duplicated, appropriate lab tests are ordered and screened with follow up.
- Adheres to the practice standards of the local community and State of Michigan Nursing Board regulations and policies related to the treatment of persons suffering from substance abuse and mental illnesses.
- Participates in psychiatric team meetings, and other clinical meetings, as appropriate to maximize the treatment of all patients.
- Provides education to patients, their families, and to staff members related to medication, mental health diagnosis and medical conditions.
- Adheres to guidelines related to pharmacy practices.
- Obtains prior authorizations for restricted proprietary or non-formulary medications and approval for procedures such as laboratory studies, radiology testing, and neurological or psychological testing.
- Responsible for meeting encounter requirements, as specified.
- Records and documents patients’ information in a quality and timely manner.
- Provides all patients with appropriate referrals to other community agencies as needed or requested.
- Follows professional and ethical practices when working with patients, patient records patients’ families, and community personnel.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient/family information.
- Works effectively with all patients and families to promote a milieu of trust while providing excellent mental health treatment.
Job Skills and Qualifications:
- Must be a practitioner in good standing with the agency with practice and privileges consistent with clinical qualifications.
- Must have knowledge of the special needs of SMI, brain injured, child & adolescent, geriatric, and substance abuse populations.
- Experience working in community based setting preferred.
- Competent computer skills using EMR, electronic prescriptions, and MS Office products.
- Personable, positive, and enthusiastic attitude with capability to deal effectively with different types of people
- Experience in coordinating patient care with all team members, including using a person centered approach when working with patients.
- Detail oriented with exceptional organization and work ethic for efficient output in fast paced work environments
- Ability to multi-task effectively, think critically and take initiative
- Knowledge of psychotropic medications, drug interactions, mental illness diagnostic codes and medical terms
- Experience in training clinical staff on all relevant issues
- Experience in psychotropic medication management and familiarity with the use, effects and interactions with psychiatric medications
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Licensed as a PNP by the Michigan Board of Nursing and licensed to practice as a nurse.
- Licensed by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an approved nursing program
- Valid Michigan Driver’s License and Insurance
- One year experience (can include internship experience)
Working Conditions
- Non-Traditional work hours in the office
- Working with consumers with variety of mental disorders and behaviors, including aggression and suicidal ideation