Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Extra Help Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

There is currently one (1) Extra Help Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner position available within the Jail Based Services branch of the Health & Human Services Agency. Only online applications will be accepted.

To perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, formulate treatment plans, and analyze patient care issues, which may include physical assessments and examinations, psychiatric diagnosis, and treatments of both chronic and episodic psychiatric disorders; manages the care of clients within the field of psychiatric mental health; coordinates with pharmaceutical agencies/companies; provides cross coverage for psychiatrists; and assists individuals and families to assess and coordinate medical care for department clients.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner class is distinguished from other nurse classes by the scope of practice and by the specialization in psychiatric nursing. Other nurse classes are typically involved in providing assessment and treatment of a patient's physical health. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners provide general and psychiatric patient care with an emphasis on medication therapies and treatment. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse is a journey level class.

The focus of duties is on the direct medical care, psychiatric treatment, and evaluation of patients as part of an interdisciplinary team. Incumbents may give work instructions to other staff in providing patient care related to care.

Receives medical supervision from the Medical Director (Psychiatrist) and receives general supervision from the Deputy Director of Behavioral Health or Human Services Director. May be assigned either direct or indirect supervisory responsibility over lower level staff.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Carries a caseload and provides psychiatric diagnosis and care to clients under supervision of the Medical Director, which includes identifying medication needs and determining efficacy of medication regimen. Conducts, updates, and inputs clinical assessments and treatment plans of newly enrolled client into system. Reviews and revises prescriptions, orders for refills, and pre-authorizations so as to maintain continuity of medications. Under direction, arranges for hospital admission of patients and facilitates the referral of appropriate health facilities, agencies, and resources.

Orders and interprets a variety of routine tests which may include blood counts, chemistry panels, lipid panels, liver function tests, mediation levels, EKG, etc. Collaborates with the clinical team and consulting psychiatrist to develop the most appropriate, culturally responsive and effective psychotropic medication regimen according to the client's psychiatric history and active symptoms. Collaborates with clients and program staff to enhance medication adherence through client and staff education and individual or group interventions with clients.

Assists clients with obtaining community-based outpatient primary care for acute or chronic, pre-existing or newly diagnosed medical conditions. Communicates with pharmacies, substance abuse treatment entities, primary care physicians, and other affiliated health providers to ensure excellent, comprehensive health care to clients. Collaborates and consults with Adult Protective Services teams, Child Welfare teams, and In-Home Support Services team on the medical and medication needs of clients.

Provides services in a satellite office and conducts home visits if required. Assists in the implementation and maintenance of medication policies, procedures, and protocols within the individual programs as identified by medical management. Works in conjunction with management to orient, train, and schedule other medical personnel providing services for the agency. Performs related duties as assigned.

Experience:

None. Experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, especially in a rural setting, is desirable.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner education and training program. A copy of this verification must be attached.

Additional Requirements:

Certificates: A copy of all required certificates must be attached. Nurse Practitioner Certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing. Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Advanced Practice Certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing. Adult or Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Controlled Substance Registration Certificate - Schedules II to V issued by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Licenses: A copy of all required licenses must be attached. Registered Nurse License issued by the State of California,…