Psychiatric Certified Nurse Practitioner at West Tennessee Healthcare

Responsible for planning, providing and directing the delivery of psychiatric care and health education programs for patients of age groups from pediatric to geriatric with psychiatric mental health diagnoses. Works under general supervision using established standards of care and protocols. Models appropriate behavior to employees as exemplified in the Guest Excellence principles reflecting a commitment to the Quality Plus Plan. The employee is subject to call back as required by the hospital.

Assesses system resources available for patient care delivery.
Facilitates communication between patients, family members, and the health care team.
Educates patient and family regarding diagnosis, therapeutic regiment, and management plan. 
Functions as an adjunctive member of the crisis team in assessing the patient need for involuntary hospitalization
Serves as a resource to members of the health care team.
Serves as a role model and preceptor for other nurses and nursing students.
Provides documentary evidence of continuing competency and certification in the area of specialty.
Meets regularly with supervising physician for consultation, supervision, and collaboration.
Participates in the design and revision of protocols. 
Participates in the decision to admit the patient
Obtains a complete medical, psycho-social and family history.
Performs history and physicals which includes a mental status examination.
Orders and reviews results of pertinent diagnostic tests including lab and x-ray.
Formulates and implements a plan of care based upon assessment data, standards of practice, established protocol and with physician consultation as necessary.
Utilizes the results of diagnostic tests as appropriate in patient care management.
Orders indicated pharmacological therapy.
Assesses and monitors patient responses to current medications, including side effects.
Assesses and monitors patient changes in mental status, including suicidal and/or homicidal ideation, and hallucinatory activity.
Orders psychological testing as indicated.
Orders consultations as appropriate.
Documents findings, clinical impressions, plan of care and patient response.
Performs dictation of psychological evaluations and discharge summaries.
Collaborates and/or consults with the physician regarding abnormal patient care findings.
Evaluates and revises the plan of care based upon patient response and in consultation and/or collaboration with the physician as necessary.
Orders pharmacological therapy, referrals, follow-up care, and appointments needed.
Provides progress reports to families as indicated.
Discusses any specialized care needed with the patient and family.
Makes referrals as appropriate to physicians, other health care agencies, community agencies, and emergency services.
Collaborates with personnel of other agencies to promote continued quality care for patients.
Performs related responsibilities as required or directed. 

EDUCATION:
Graduate of Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialty as an advanced practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:
Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Tennessee. National certification as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist or National Certification as a Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner.

EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of two years of psychiatric nursing experience preferred