Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A. Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the First Choice Community Healthcare (FCCH) Medical Director. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing psychiatric evaluation / diagnosis and ongoing treatment for FCCH patient in collaboration with the care team providers.

B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs thorough psychiatric diagnostic evaluations of FCCH patients using the biopsychosocial model, complete with diagnoses, treatment recommendations and pharmacotherapy.
• Provides ongoing medication management / follow-up care needed after the initial psychiatric evaluation, utilizing pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic modalities as necessary.
• Provides psychiatric care in the most collaborative / integrated fashion possible, with the involvement and input of care team providers considered essential for optimal care.
• Responds to clinical consultation requests from non-psychiatric specialties as time permits. Such consultations may involve any or all of the following : electronic communication, direct discussion with the PCP and / or Behaviorist, and possibly direct examination of the patient.

Note : psychiatric provider performing such consultations will clearly communicate the limitations of the consultation and treatment recommendations if the patient was not evaluated in person.

• Patients will be seen for follow up visits at time intervals deemed clinically necessary by the treating psychiatric provider and will be documented by up-to-date and complete progress notes placed in the EMR chart.
• In general, new patient visits will be allotted one-hour slots and follow up visits will be assigned 30-minute slots.
• Panel will be capped at appropriate level for a 1.0 FTE Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Patients within the FCCH system that are not able to be seen within our organization will be referred to outside psychiatric care.
• Will provide thorough medication education to patients / guardian about possible risks, benefits, side effects and alternatives to the recommended medication(s) following their psychiatric evaluation in order for them to make an informed consent to treatment.
• Obtains and reviews patient’s and / or guardian's signature on the Controlled Substance Contract upon initial visit and annually thereafter.
• If the patient will be transferred back to PCP after a one-time consult, and the ongoing medications will be managed by PCP, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will defer signing Controlled Substance Contract and / or starting controlled medications to the PCP.
• Orders, reviews and interprets relevant tests and evaluation / procedures to assist in diagnostic process, medication effects, and follow-up care.
• Participates in clinic staff development and in-service education programs for both professional and non-clinical staff.
• Participates, in an advisory capacity, in program planning and policy formulation for the Clinic.
• Provides consultation and training to FCCH providers related to behavioral health issues.
• Serves on FCCH committees as assigned.
• Any other assignments as requested by the Medical Director and / or Behavioral Health Director.
• Above duties and responsibilities will be provided in person or via tele-health.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

C. Minimum Education and Experience

• Certification of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner experience in healthcare management.
• Non-profit or community healthcare setting is optimal.
• Experience in healthcare management is optimal.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish highly preferred.

D. LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Must have and maintain a current Controlled Substance Registration Certificate from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and from the State of New Mexico.
• Must have and maintain a current nurse practitioner awarded from the State of New Mexico.
• CPR certification within six months date of hire.
• Must have valid NM driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.

E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, public groups, and / or First Choice Board.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Knowledge and familiarity with FCCH compliance program. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations.

F. Age of Patients Served

The likelihood is that most all enrolled patients will be adults.

G. Physical Characteristics / Working Conditions

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands.

There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

• Physical Effort and Dexterity : Good dexterity to operate personal computer, and files. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and / or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated : Capable of using office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and retrieval.
• Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking : Must be able to read computer monitor output. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Environment / Working Conditions : Work is mostly inside a clinic in a controlled environment; telecommuting may be indicated pursuant to FCCH COVID HR #5.

Normal clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.