Behavior - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

San Diego American Indian Health Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Community Health Center is seeking a qualified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to provide psychiatric health care under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Director and collaborating psychiatrist.

You will assess patients, develop treatment plans, prescribe psychotropic medications as needed, and ensure timely documentation and continuity of care. Strong collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and adherence to safety, privacy, and state requirements are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences required.
• California PN/NP license in good standing required.
• DEA license in good standing required.
• PMHNP Certification/Registration with CA Medical Board required.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients by interview, family input, behavior observation, medical history review, and lab results interpretation.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans and prescribe psychotropic medications as needed.
• Complete and file documentation within 48 hours of patient encounter in compliance with state requirements.
• Collaborate with primary care, therapists, counselors, nurses, and other providers to maintain integrated care.
• Ensure safety and quality by adhering to policies, procedures, standards, and HIPAA/OSHA guidelines; participate in QA activities.
• Provide staff training on psychosocial and pharmacologic interrelationships, crisis intervention, and related topics.
• Treat patients with psychotherapy and medications; monitor progress and maintain continuity of care.

Skills

Patient assessment

Treatment planning

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health sciences

California Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license

DEA license

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Registration (CA Medical Board)

Tools

ECW EHR

Job description

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) will provide psychiatric health care services to patients under the direction and responsibility of the Behavioral Health Director and a collaborative Psychiatrist.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to perform all job-related activities as outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Functions:

1. Assess patients by interviewing patient, family, and other persons; observing behaviors; reviewing medical history and related documents; interpreting psychological tests; and ordering laboratory tests and evaluating results.
2. Develop comprehensive treatment plans jointly with patients by determining nature and extent of cognitive, emotional, developmental, social, and behavioral disorders and prescribing psychotropic medications as needed.
3. Complete documentation in compliance with clinical and state requirements within 48 hours of seeing the patient.
4. Maintains interdisciplinary treatment by reviewing treatment plans and progress, and consulting and collaborating with primary care physicians, mental health therapists, substance abuse counselors, nurses, and other health care providers.
5. Assures quality and safe service for patients and staff by enforcing policies, procedures, standards, rules, and legal regulations; participating in quality improvement activities; and remaining available for emergency consultations.
6. Improves staff competence by providing training and discussions regarding the interrelationship between psychosocial and physiological problems, psychotropic medications, crisis intervention, and related issues.
7. Treats patients by utilizing psychotherapeutic methods and medications; discussing progress toward goals with patients; providing instructions; monitoring effect of medications; record progress notes and assist in the provision of continuity of care.

1. Adheres to the policies and procedures for dispensing medication and complies with the various prescription medication formularies.

1. Expected to maintain the following productivity standards while thoroughly completing documentation within 48 hours of seeing a patient:
1. 12 patients a day in any 8-hour workday
2. 15 patients a day in any 10-hour workday

1. Promptly reports all suspected cases of child or elder abuse, domestic violence, or homicidal or suicidal ideation to the appropriate authorities.
2. Must adhere to all privacy regulations as outlined in the policies and procedures and HIPAA guidelines.
3. Must adhere to all OSHA safety policies and procedures.
4. Must complete all Continuing Medical Education hours as required by the California state medical board and if applicable, the employee’s respective specialty board.
5. Should notify the Behavioral Health Director of any schedule changes at least 2 weeks in advance.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Behavioral Health Director.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in health sciences.
2. California Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license in good standing.
3. DEA license in good standing.
4. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Registration with the California Medical Board.

Preferred:

1. 2 years’ experience.
2. Master’s degree in health sciences.
3. Experience serving a multinational, multicultural population.
4. FQHC background.

1. Familiarity with Community Health Clinics and/or Indian Health Clinics.

1. ECW EHR.

San Diego Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation, or belief.