Position Title: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
2015
Position Summary:
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with mental illness and related disorders, including diagnosis
of mental conditions pursuant to current DSMV standards and prescribing psychotropic medications as
indicated within the scope of practice and identified formulary under the supervision of the physician
advisor. May also provide individual, group, and/or family psychotherapy services as needed.
Recognize and provide mental health crisis intervention and services as necessary.
Essential Functions:
Assess, evaluate, and identify mental conditions pursuant to current DSM V standards and
distinguish between physiologically and psychologically based disorders to determine and
recommend appropriate mental health interventions and treatments.
• Prescribe, monitor, and recommend psychotropic medications when indicated to treat patient
mental health disorders and related conditions in accordance with the scope of practice and
formulary as described by the collaborative practice agreement with the supervising physician.
• Advise, counsel, and instruct patients and their respective family members and/or care givers
regarding the potential for adverse drug reactions, side effects, interactions and other
complications associated with the use of psychotropic medications.
• Conducts individual, group, or family psychotherapy for those with chronic or acute mental
disorders as needed.
• Educates patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive
health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
• Documents patient medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnostic
studies such as laboratory results, psychological testing, imagining studies such as EEG’s and CT
Scans of the Head, to formulate appropriate diagnoses, interventions, and to make
recommendations for further evaluation or refer patients for other medical or psychiatric care
as needed.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, therapists, and other
allied health professionals in the intervention and support of ongoing psychiatric treatments,
services, or related community resources.
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Skills:
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Ability to diagnose and treat simple and complex psychiatric and mental health problems across
the life span from situational adjustment disorders, behavioral disturbances, to serious mental
illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, major depression, or anxiety disorders.
Strong skills to manage, coordinate, and evaluate the care and education of the patient and
family through the continuum of care.
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Ability to manage and evaluate medically and psychiatrically complex patients.
Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary health care team, communicated
effectively, and demonstrates sound clinical and professional judgment in making treatment
recommendations and intervention.
Ability to manage crisis intervention and respond appropriately in stressful situations and
environments. Demonstrate a calm and controlled demeanor in directing others and
intervening with patients and their families/caregivers.
Demonstrates basic computer literacy including proficiency in common applications such as
Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to learn and operate within electronic health
record applications and related computer programs.
Experience and Education:
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Graduation from an ANCC approved Masters of Science in Nursing program, with emphasis in
psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span.
Current licensure and certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the Joint
Board of Medical of Examiners and the Board of Nursing in the State of Alabama.
Currently up-to-date with all continuing education requirements.
Must be able to provide all documents, certifications, and related materials necessary to
complete enrollment and credentialing with Medicare, Medicaid, and third party payor sources.