Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Job Description

This position works in a collaborative model that includes psychiatrists, residents, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and staff who care for adult outpatient psychiatry patients. The role reports to the Medical Director and collaborates with other physicians and supervising staff physicians. The team provides high‑quality treatment for patients with mental health and substance use conditions through assessments, diagnoses, treatment planning, medication management, and coordination with other providers to promote positive outcomes.

Required:

Graduate of an accredited master’s or doctorate program specializing in psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Required:

0‑2 years of related psychiatry working experience with adults.

Experience with ongoing clinical management of psychopharmacology.

Preferred: 2 years of related psychiatry working experience with adults in an inpatient/outpatient setting.

• Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.
• Current board certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) with child/adolescent training.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Current or eligible for prescriptive authority in the state of practice as outlined by the state board of nursing.
• Current or eligible for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration/licensure.

• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of necessary job information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Proficiency with Windows‑style applications, Microsoft Office Suite, and role‑specific software packages.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Advance Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout and between facilities.
• Competency in documenting services using an electronic medical records system.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (weekends, holidays, nights, call).

• Utilize the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
• Provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
• Complete initial consultations, formulate an initial diagnosis and treatment plan for individuals with mental health disorders, and provide psychopharmacology evaluations and treatments.
• Provide clinical services including medication management in accordance with evidence‑based practices.
• Monitor changes in patients with persistent mental illness.
• Initiate and complete all relevant documentation within organizational time frames.
• Maintain an attitude of inquiry toward medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
• Provide educational experiences to patient families, staff, and other health professionals.
• Develop working relationships with physicians and colleagues.
• Adapt behavior to the specific patient population, respecting privacy and tailoring communication as appropriate.
• Other related duties as required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work – Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue. The incumbent works in a patient care area, where patients enter, works directly with patients, and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases.

Exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste may occur through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated waste.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.