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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Career Insights for Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner provides mental health and nursing care to patients with psychiatric disorders, medical organic brain disorders or substance abuse problems. Diagnoses mental illness, develops treatment plans and prescribes medications. Teaches patient's family about the patient's condition. Works at hospitals with dedicated mental health unit, fully dedicated psychiatric hospital or in independent practice working from nursing homes and physicians' offices.
$152,911 / year median in California
+23% projected growth
Job Description
- Current licensure as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of California.
- DEA registration and prescriptive authority.
- Experience in behavioral health, psychiatry, or residential treatment settings.
- Strong knowledge of psychotropic medications and psychiatric diagnoses.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with complex mental health needs.
- Completion of required continuing education, including pharmacology, to maintain licensure and prescriptive authority.
- Current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Knowledge of and compliance with applicable California regulations, including Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Community Care Licensing (CCL), and/or other governing bodies relevant to residential behavioral health programs.
- Ability to pass required background checks, credentialing, and clearance processes in accordance with state and agency policies. Key Responsibilities
- Conduct psychiatric evaluations, risk assessments, and diagnostic formulations for residents across all facility types.
- Prescribe, monitor, and adjust psychotropic medications in accordance with evidence-based practices, including narcotics and medications used in psychiatric and substance use treatment.
- Provide ongoing medication management, including monitoring for side effects, adherence, and therapeutic effectiveness.
- Respond to psychiatric crises and collaborate on stabilization plans.
- Ensure timely documentation of all clinical encounters in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Ability to place and read TB/PPD
- Ability to complete medical clearance forms (LIC 602)
- Ability to initiate psychiatric holds when clinically appropriate and authorized Program Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Support
- Work closely with Program Directors, clinical interns, behavioral health technicians to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
- Support transitions of care between levels of residential treatment and external providers.
- Assist in developing and updating clinical protocols, policies, and procedures. Training and Workforce Development
- Provide monthly mandatory training to all Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) and relevant staff, including: o Medication administration procedures o Medication rights (right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation) o Safe storage, handling, and documentation of medications o Recognition of side effects and adverse reactions
- Collaborate with Program Directors to: o Track training completion and compliance o Maintain accurate training records and documentation o Identify ongoing education needs and competency gaps
- Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for staff regarding psychiatric and medication-related questions. Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations governing psychiatric care and residential treatment services.
- Conduct periodic audits of medication administration practices and documentation.
- Collaborate with leadership to implement corrective actions and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Travel, Service Delivery Model and Expectations
- Provide services across multiple residential sites within the agency.
- Regular travel between locations is required to meet clinical and operational needs. (Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn)
- Utilize telehealth/remote work when appropriate and approved to support continuity of care and operational efficiency.
- Flexible schedule based on clinical and programmatic needs.