PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER - 04022026-76539

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, MIDDLE TENNESSEE MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This is an on-site position.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Registered Nurse with Advanced Practice certification and certificate of fitness, as well as current American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification in a psychiatric/mental health specialty area.

OR

Education and Experience: Licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Registered Nurse with Advanced Practice certification and certificate of fitness and experience equivalent to at least two years of full-time work as a licensed nurse practitioner providing inpatient or outpatient psychiatric care in private practice or in a community mental health, psychiatric hospital, or similar setting.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Licensed or eligible for licensure by the State of Tennessee as a Registered Nurse with Advanced Practice certification and certificate of fitness, as well as current American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification in specialty area. If assigned responsibility of conducting forensic evaluations, completion of Forensic Certification Training is also required. Licensure as a Registered Nurse with Advanced Practice Nurse certificate in the State of Tennessee and national certification in the appropriate nursing specialty area are required within 60 days after employment. Completion of Forensic Certification Training is required within 60 days of assignment.

Overview

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner provides advanced psychiatric care in a state psychiatric hospital, assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental health and substance use disorders. Prescribes medications, psychotherapy, and treatment plans while monitoring patient progress and ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory standards. Unlike a Nurse Practitioner, this role primarily focuses on psychiatric conditions and treatment, including prescribing psychotropic medications and overseeing complex mental health care plans.

Responsibilities

1. Conducts evaluations, interprets diagnostic tests, and determines treatment plans.

2. Prescribes psychotropic medications and therapeutic interventions.

3. Tracks patient progress, adjusts treatments, and responds to emergencies.

4. Works with physicians, nurses, and treatment teams to coordinate patient care.

5. Maintains accurate records and ensures adherence to hospital policies.

6. Advises patients, families, and staff on psychiatric conditions and care plans.

7. Develops treatment strategies based on scientific research and best practices.

8. Provides guidance to staff and students while staying updated on psychiatric advancements.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

• Manages Complexity
• Decision Quality
• Ensures Accountability
• Plans and Aligns
• Communicates Effectively

Knowledges:

• Psychopharmacology & Medication Mgmt
• Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation
• Crisis Intervention & Emergency Response
• Interdisciplinary Coord & Stakeholder Engagement

Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Coordination

Abilities:

• Problem Sensitivity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Information Ordering
• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Medical Devices and instruments
• Computer
• Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax/Telephone

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.