Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary:  The incumbent in this position is responsible for providing psychotherapy and medication evaluation and management to a range of clients having behavioral health illness or substance abuse disorders under the collaboration of consulting psychiatrist(s). The position also provides evaluation, treatment planning and discharge planning services for consumers in psychiatric facilities and those being diverted from state hospital admissions. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of Behavior Health.  

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Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:  

• Provides patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans in accordance with statutes, regulations and protocols regulating the profession. 
• Collaborates with the collaborating psychiatrist, the nursing staff and technical personnel, as well as the other members of the Behavioral Health staff. 
• Provides psychiatric health services, education, counseling and emotional support. 
• Refers patients for inpatient care, in collaboration with the staff psychiatrist, as necessary. 
• Issues medication prescriptions in accordance with treatment guidelines. 
• Orders laboratory tests, interprets and explains the test results to patients. 
• Provides patient education regarding medications, risks, benefits and reasonable outcome expectations. 
• Communicates with patients and engages in follow-up as necessary. 
• May also provide primary medical care services as indicated, in accordance with statues, regulations and protocols regulating the profession.
• Other duties as assigned    

Regulatory Requirements:  

• Current Registered Nurse & APRN licensure in the State of Louisiana in the specialty of Mental Health or Psychiatry.   
• Masters Degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner's Program.   
• National Certification as a Nurse Practitioner or certification eligible if new graduate. Certification must be obtained prior to expiration of temporary licensure.   
• Current BLS Certification (minimum).   
• Current CDS license through the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy   
• Current and valid license through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)