Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

SWLA CENTER FOR HEALTH SERVICES

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:              Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

DEPARTMENT:      Behavioral Health Department

SUPERVISED BY:  Chief Health Officer

SUMMARY:

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a skilled health care provider who applies the nursing process to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychiatric disorders and identify risk factors for such disorders and provides continuous and comprehensive services necessary for the promotion of optimal mental health, prevention of psychiatric disorders and health maintenance to patients. These functions are performed as allowed under the State of Louisiana Nurse Practice Act. They are expected to have a valid Louisiana Nursing license and DEA number.  They must, on an annual basis, obtain the necessary continuing education credits to maintain their license in good standing.  Must maintain certification in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

1. 
   Graduation from an accredited school of nursing or a nurse practitioner program recognized by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
2. Current Registered Nurse & APRN licensure in the State of Louisiana in the specialty of Mental Health or Psychiatry.
3. Current BLS Certification
4. Current CDS license through the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy
   
5. Current and valid license through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
6. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
7. Ability to relate with effectiveness to employees of the Health Center.
8. Critical thinking skills and an ability to work through processes in an objective manner.
9. Sufficient experience to carry out the duties of this position.
10. Knowledge of Health Center Practice management and EMR platforms.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 
   Obtains complete medical history from patient, and/or family, and /or previous medical record, etc.
2. 
   Provides patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans in accordance with statutes, regulations and protocols regulating the profession.
3. 
   Provides patient education regarding medications, risks, benefits and reasonable outcome expectations
4. Provides psychiatric health services, education, counseling and emotional support.
5. Orders laboratory tests, interprets and explains the test results to patients.
6. Formulates initiates and monitors patient management plans for patients assigned to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, using protocols and/or consultation with a supervising physician.
7. Refers patients for inpatient care, in collaboration with the staff psychiatrist, as necessary.
8. Collaborates with the collaborating psychiatrist, the nursing staff and technical personnel, as well as the other members of the Behavioral Health staff.
9. Understands and complies with applicable federal/state laws and standards of conduct as related to assigned job duties.
10. Maintains all patient records to comply with required standards, reviews records regularly and obtains physician counter signatures where necessary.
11. Attends staff meetings and participates in Primary Health Services Center Q/A program.
12. Participates in departmental or organizational quality/continuous performance improvement activity.
13. Attains goals or improvements established for the employee.
14. Consults with Chief Health Officer/other physicians on a daily basis to ensure compliance with HRSA, JACHO and NCQA requirements.
15. Consults with physician and other members of the health care team as necessary to ensure that Redesign teams are staffed effectively.
16. Ensures that patient flow meets Redesign benchmarks and cycle times are at or less than 45 minutes.
17. Assumes additional duties, when necessary, as required by SWLA to meet the goal of providing behavioral health care services.
18. Recommends modifications, additions or deletions of personnel policies to ensure reasonable hours and acceptable working conditions to provide patient care coverage.
19. Initiates and participates in problem solving policy forming conferences for patient care services. Maintains close coordination with all departments to ensure continuity and collaboration of services.
20. Participates in management, medical staff and clinical leaders in the facility’s decision-making process.
21. Plans and recommends to CHO-Health Services Director new facilities or equipment or modifications thereto needed to provide patient care.

MISSION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE:

1. 
   Demonstrate the Mission and acts in ways that advance the best interest of the customers entrusted to our care. Positively represents SWLA Center for Health Services (SWLA) in the workplace and the community.
2. 
   Present a professional image: apparel and appearance are appropriate according to SWLA department dress code.
3. 
   Demonstrate effective communication and listens attentively to the customer and promptly acts upon requests with consideration for patient privacy. Keep the customer informed about their care and treatment in a comfortable atmosphere.
4. 
   Respect the gifts and talents (the diversity that co-workers bring to their jobs) of each other. Demonstrates effective communication and assists co-workers as necessary.
5. 
   Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the customers we serve, our physicians, co-workers and the community.
6. 
   Practices safe work habits and maintain a safe environment for self, co-workers, patients, and visitors.
7. 
   Work collaboratively to solve problems, improve processes, and develop services. Acts as an advocate for our customers.
8. 
   Complies with organization/department policies and procedures, including but not limited to confidentiality, safety, cooperation/flexibility and attendance.
9. 
   Understands and complies with applicable federal/state laws and Standards of Conduct as related to assigned job duties.
10. Participates in departmental or organizational quality. Continuous performance improvement activity