Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (on call) - Crisis Stabilization and Resource Center

At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture that is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.  Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects of working with trauma survivors on our workforce and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team-oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) provides psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and clinical leadership within The Crisis Center, a voluntary mental health crisis stabilization and respite program licensed in the State of Nebraska.

The APRN delivers trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. The APRN collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to ensure safe stabilization, appropriate level-of-care determinations, and effective transition back to the community.

Services are provided in accordance with the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act, Nebraska DHHS behavioral health regulations, and organizational policies.

Compensation: determined by total years of relevant experience.
Work Schedule: on-call hours as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited (ANCC) educational institution.
• Five years of progressive experience in the Behavioral Health Nursing field.
• Licensed with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
• Current license in your state of residence.
• Licensed in Nebraska as an PMHNP.

PREFERED EXPERIENCE

• Experience in crisis stabilization, emergency psychiatry, or residential behavioral health settings.
• Experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience in community-based behavioral health systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatric Evaluation and Diagnosis

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including biopsychosocial assessments.
• Perform routine and urgent/emergent psychiatric assessments, including full IDIs, within 24 hours of client admission.
• Diagnose mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders within scope of practice.
• Determine appropriateness for admission, continued stay, or transfer to higher level of care.
• Complete risk assessments, including suicide and violence risk evaluation.

Medication Management

• Prescribe, adjust, and discontinue psychiatric medications in accordance with Nebraska law.
• Provide ongoing medication management and monitoring.
• Review and reconcile medications upon admission and discharge.
• Monitor for therapeutic response, side effects, and medication safety.
• Collaborate with nursing staff regarding medication administration and clinical concerns.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization

• Provide psychiatric crisis intervention to support stabilization.
• Develop and oversee crisis treatment plans.
• Implement least restrictive interventions consistent with regulatory standards.
• Determine need for emergency referral or hospitalization when clinically indicated.
• Ensure stabilization strategies align with best practice standards.

Physical Health and Co-Occurring Conditions

• Assess physical health needs and order appropriate diagnostic tests as indicated.
• Identify substance use risks and mild withdrawal concerns. The Crisis Center does not operate as a detoxification facility; individuals requiring medical detoxification services will be referred or transferred per policy.
• Coordinate care with primary care providers and external medical professionals.

Treatment Planning and Therapeutic Interventions

• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment plans.
• Provide brief therapeutic interventions and psychoeducation as appropriate.
• Support individuals and families throughout stabilization and community reintegration.
• Promote preventive and wellness-based interventions as part of recovery planning.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as a clinical leader within the interdisciplinary team.
• Provide consultation to RNs, therapists, and other team members.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and case reviews.
• Support multi-agency coordination and continuity of care planning.
• Provide education and training to staff regarding psychiatric and medical issues.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate documentation of evaluations, diagnoses, medication orders, and treatment plans.
• Ensure documentation meets Nebraska DHHS licensing standards and payer requirements.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality laws.
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.

Professional Conduct and Organizational Responsibilities

• Display a courteous, respectful, and caring attitude toward individuals served, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Abide by all agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain professional licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements.
• Participate in internal and external training opportunities.
• Perform other program-related duties as assigned.