Nurse Practitioner Child & Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry

SUN Behavioral Health; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Health in Kentucky is seeking a Nurse Practitioner to deliver high-quality psychiatric care to children and adolescents (ages 5-17) in an inpatient setting, supporting patients with acute mental health needs during critical recovery moments. You will conduct psychiatric evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans with the care team, and manage psychotropic medications.

Requires NP graduation, state licensure, DEA, CPR and de-escalation certs; PMHNP preferred; 2+ years'

Qualifications

• Experience treating children/adolescents in psychiatric settings.
• Ability to manage medications for acute behavioral health conditions.
• Licensed as NP with DEA and CPR/de-escalation training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing assessments.
• Develop and guide individualized treatment plans with the care team.
• Manage and optimize psychotropic medication regimens with clinical precision.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans for best outcomes.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to support continuity of care.
• Contribute to a team-based model focused on safety, quality, and patient-centered care.

Skills

Pediatric inpatient psychiatry

Psychotropic medication management

Collaboration & communication

PMHNP certification preferred

Education

Accredited NP program graduate

State licensure & DEA

PMHNP certification preferred

Job description

Nurse Practitioner – Child & Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry

Are you a compassionate and skilled Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents? Join a team dedicated to helping young patients and their families navigate some of life's most challenging moments.

We are seeking an experienced NP to provide high-quality psychiatric care to children and adolescents (ages 5-17) in an inpatient setting, supporting patients with acute mental health needs during critical points in their recovery journey.

Why This Role Matters

In this position, you will play a vital role in stabilizing and supporting young patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms – helping them regain safety, stability, and hope. Your clinical expertise and compassionate approach will directly impact patient outcomes and long-term recovery.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing assessments
• Develop and guide individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the care team
• Manage and optimize psychotropic medication regimens with confidence and clinical precision
• Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans to support the best possible outcomes
• Partner closely with families and caregivers as appropriate to support continuity of care
• Contribute to a team-based model of care focused on safety, quality, and patient-centered treatment

What You’ll Bring

• Experience working with children and adolescents in a psychiatric setting
• Comfort and expertise managing medications for acute behavioral health conditions
• Strong clinical judgment and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced inpatient environment
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• 2+ years of clinical experience preferred
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification preferred

A Team You’ll Be Proud to Join

You’ll work alongside a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team of:

• Psychiatrists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Therapists and Social Workers
• Nurses
• Pharmacists and other clinical specialists

Together, this team is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive and mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Graduation from an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Licensed with the State Board of Nursing in state of employment. DEA number. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.
• May substitute experience for education

Experience

• Preferred: One (1) year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and One (1) year of experience for Nurse Practitioners that oversee the medical status of the patient.
• May substitute education for experience