Psychiatric Mentl Health Nurse Practitioner - PMHNP

Job Title: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Department: Psychiatry/Mental Health

Reports To: Medical Director/Supervising Psychiatrist/Clinic Manager

Summary: The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan.

The PMHNP is responsible for conducting psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing mental health disorders, developing and implementing treatment plans, and providing medication management and psychotherapy. They work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic and patient-centered care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations:

• Conducting thorough psychiatric assessments, including gathering patient history, performing mental status examinations, and assessing risk for harm to self or others.

• Diagnosing mental health disorders based on DSM criteria.

• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as laboratory studies or psychological assessments, as needed.

• Treatment Planning and Implementation:

• Developing individualized treatment plans that address the patient's specific needs and goals.

• Providing medication management, including prescribing, adjusting, and monitoring psychotropic medications.

• Offering psychotherapy, including individual, group, and family therapy, using evidence-based modalities.

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as therapists, social workers, and case managers, to coordinate care.

• Medication Management:

• Prescribing and managing psychotropic medications, considering patient's medical history, current medications, and potential drug interactions.

• Educating patients about their medications, including dosage, side effects, and potential risks.

• Monitoring medication effectiveness and making adjustments as needed.

• Psychotherapy:

• Providing individual, group, and family therapy using various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy.

• Assisting patients in developing coping skills, managing symptoms, and improving their overall mental health and well-being.

• Patient Education and Advocacy:

• Educating patients and their families about mental health disorders, treatment options, and strategies for managing symptoms.

• Advocating for patients' rights and access to mental health services.

• Providing referrals to community resources and support groups.

   

  Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of all patient encounters, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and medication records.

• Adhering to all HIPAA regulations and maintaining patient confidentiality.

• Collaboration and Consultation:

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers, to provide integrated and comprehensive care.

• Consulting with supervising psychiatrist or medical director as needed.

• Continuing Education and Professional Development:

• Staying up-to-date on current research, best practices, and new developments in the field of mental health.

• Participating in continuing education activities to maintain licensure and certification.

  Qualifications:

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Nursing.

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Maryland.

• Current and unrestricted certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

• DEA license (Drug Enforcement Administration) or ability to obtain one.

• Experience in providing psychiatric mental health care to diverse populations.

• Strong clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.

  Proficiency in various therapeutic modalities.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

   

  Working Conditions:

• PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, and telehealth platforms.

• The position may require working various shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends, depending on the setting.

  Some on-call responsibilities may be required.

The work environment may involve exposure to emotionally distressed patients and may require managing challenging behaviors.

• .Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

  
  - ANCC or AANP Board Certified