APP Psychiatry ESH/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) with APN/PA background to work in the acute psychiatric care setting. The APP collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to manage care from admission to discharge in an inpatient unit.

Responsibilities include participating in admission processes, ensuring evidence-based, high-quality care, and providing follow-up planning as needed within the campus psychiatric services.

Qualifications

• APRN with PMHNP certification or PA-C certification.
• Licensed/registered as APRN or PA-C in Kentucky or eligible.
• Experience in psychiatric acute care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient psychiatric care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Manage patient care from admission to discharge on the unit.
• Participate in the psych admission process and ensure safe, quality care.
• Support outpatient follow-up when appropriate.

Skills

APRN

PMHNP

PA-C

Education

MSN for Nurse Practitioners

BS for Physician Assistants

Job description

MSN for Nurse Practitioners or BS for Physician Assistants

Required License/Registration/Certification

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse ( APRN ) with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ( PMHNP ) certification or Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)

Physical Requirements

The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, other days/times as required by department

Job Summary

The ESH Advanced Practice Provider ( APP ) functioning within the acute care psychiatric hospital setting works in collaboration with, and is an integral member of, a multidisciplinary health care team. The APP functions primarily in the inpatient psychiatric setting managing the care of acute and chronically ill patients.

The APP is generally on a service aligned team and manages the day to day patient care from step down to discharge. In some instances, the APP may have responsibilities for this same patient population as they return for follow up in the outpatient setting.

The APP may also play a role in the psych admission process on the ESH campus.

The APP has a strong foundation in evidenced based practice and education and has a responsibility for ensuring an environment of safe quality care.

The APP demonstrates an advanced level of medical and nursing knowledge, clinical and technical competency, sound clinical judgment, professionalism as it relates to interpersonal and general communication skills, timely and compliant documentation, and takes responsibility for ongoing professional development and competency validation.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

N/A

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/04/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently licensed by the state of Kentucky as a Nurse Practitioner or eligible to obtain license within the next nine months, or are you currently certified as a Physician Assistant by the (NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or eligible to obtain certification within the next nine months?(In order to be eligible, applicant must have graduated from an accredited program or be scheduled to graduate within six months of the application.)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a Psychology Mental Health certification or are you eligible to obtain this certification by date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am applying as a Physician Assistant
• * How many years experience do you have of psychiatric acute care in a hospital setting?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * Please indicate the number of years of paid work experience you have providing treatment to patients with a diagnosed mental health disorder.
  • NoneMore than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * Please describe any paid work experience utilizing evidence-based treatments that you have used when treating patients with mental illness.

  (Open Ended Question)