Overview

Advanced Practice Nurse ( Psychiatric) Tacoma, WA

At Madigan you will practice alongside civilian and military health care experts and experience unique professional opportunties. Our staff serves by caring for our military but are not subject to military requirements. We operate within safe staffing standards - giving you time to provide exceptional care. 

Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest on the Puget Sound, in Washington State, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is near the city of Lakewood, 10 minutes from Tacoma and 20 minutes from Olympia, the state capitol. JBLM is situated in a key location along Interstate 5, allowing easy access to Seattle, Tacoma, and the welcoming neighboring communities. Although the Army and Air Force missions have changed over the years, one thing has not changed—the natural setting of the base. Majestic Mount Rainier looms on the horizon, towering over the other peaks of the Cascade Range. From the mountains to the deep waters of Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, the local areas abound in natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and new sports are a way of life in Washington State.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Responsibilities

Incumbent performs full range of advanced practice nursing care for treating beneficiaries (children, adolescents, and adults) requesting behavioral health services. The services may be performed on site at the clinic by qualified individuals or by referral to an appropriate network provider. The position requires an individual who can utilize all the skills of an advanced practice nurse to provide comprehensive care in a busy clinic. The incumbent will evaluate new patients, gather histories, discuss goals with patients, and implement mutually agreed upon solutions. The advanced practice nurse will prescribe medications, educate patients about risks and benefits, probe for side effects, and monitor progress, always striving to meet the patients' needs. This position functions at an expanded level of responsibility by combining services of the professional nurse and the physician within the framework of mutually established medical guidelines. This position is involved in primary care which is the care of patients at the point of contact with the health care service or the continued care of ambulatory patients.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Performs psychiatric intakes and evaluations, and prescribes medications. Incumbent works closely with other members of the total treatment team in the formulation of the total care plan for patients. Provides comprehensive nursing care for any type of psychiatric patient. Observes patients closely, evaluating and recording any significant behavior and reaction patterns. Screens for and addresses side effects or other medication problems, monitors efficacy, responding as needed.

2. Meets or exceeds quality care standards, achieves clinical excellence, contributes to quality improvement, and strives for high patient satisfaction. Incumbent participates actively in the quality improvement system, to comply with all appropriate Joint Commission standards and National Patient Safety goals, and other quality improvement projects.

3. Maintains appropriate records using a computerized record keeping and coding system.

4. Works closely with primary care and other providers in accepting referrals, providing feedback, and sending referrals as needed.

5. Provides feedback and advice to unit commanders and other leaders regarding the well-being of their soldiers.

6. Presents patient cases and classes for patient care conferences and academic institutions. Serves in a leadership position and is recognized as a consultant and role model to other health care professionals both within, and outside, the institution. Acts as a preceptor to graduate students enrolled in psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. Develops and/or conducts in-service education programs for other health care professionals. Serves as advisor/member of committees as needed.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS NEEDED.

Qualifications

US Citizenship required

At least one year of licensed clinical experience AFTER finishing APRN program

Applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination and possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.