Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse

Position Summary

The Psychiatric Advance Practice Nurse provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and medication management services for adult guests with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. The Psychiatric Advance Practice Nurse collaborates with psychiatrists, physicians, nursing staff, therapists, counselors, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care that supports recovery and promotes positive treatment outcomes.

The Psychiatric Advance Practice Nurse practices within the scope of Connecticut Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) licensure, organizational policies, and all applicable federal and state regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for patients upon admission and throughout treatment.
• Develop individualized psychiatric treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Prescribe, monitor, adjust, and discontinue psychiatric medications in accordance with CT law and organizational policies.
• Evaluate medication effectiveness, adverse reactions, side effects, and patient response to treatment.
• Order, interpret, and review laboratory testing, urine drug screens, diagnostic studies, and other clinical assessments as indicated.
• Provide ongoing psychiatric medication management and follow-up appointments based on patient acuity and clinical need.
• Evaluate patients for withdrawal symptoms and collaborate with medical providers regarding detoxification and withdrawal management protocols.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and provide psychiatric recommendations regarding diagnosis, medications, level of care, and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, nursing staff, therapists, counselors, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
• Complete psychiatric evaluations, progress notes, medication management documentation, and all required clinical documentation within established timeframes.
• Enter psychiatric orders, medication orders, laboratory orders, and treatment recommendations into the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Educate patients regarding psychiatric diagnoses, medications, treatment expectations, medication adherence, and recovery planning.
• Participate in crisis intervention and psychiatric emergency evaluations as needed.
• Assist with utilization review activities, including peer-to-peer reviews and medical necessity documentation.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, Joint Commission standards, DEA regulations, CT Board of Nursing regulations, and organizational policies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, committee meetings, staff education, and clinical performance improvement activities.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and evidence-based practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from an accredited Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

Licensure & Certifications

Required:

• Current, unrestricted CT Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) license.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of CT.
• National certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
• Current DEA registration with prescriptive authority.
• CT Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) registration.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred:

• ACLS certification.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum one (1) year of psychiatric clinical experience as a PMHNP or equivalent psychiatric nursing experience.

Preferred:

• Experience treating patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Experience in residential treatment, inpatient psychiatry, detoxification, behavioral health, addiction medicine, or crisis stabilization.
• Experience using electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of psychiatric assessment and diagnosis.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology and evidence-based psychiatric treatment.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, withdrawal syndromes, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Strong understanding of CT APN regulations and standards of practice.
• Excellent assessment, diagnostic, and clinical decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to walk, bend, stand, climb stairs, speak and read English, hear, use a telephone, drive an automobile, and operate various office and electronic equipment, such as a fax machine, computer, telephone, copier, etc. Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• HSA with Employer Contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Fund (EAF)
• Accident & Critical Illness Coverage
• Travel Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Legal Services
• 403(b) Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Gym Membership Reimbursement