Psychiatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

5d•$12,390 - $14,356•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice RN provides highly advanced psychiatric care at San Antonio State Hospital under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director and/or delegating physician. The role is appointed by the Medical Director subject to approval by the State Hospital Superintendent. The practitioner independently or collaboratively assesses, plans, and provides comprehensive psychiatric care, with extensive latitude to exercise initiative and judgment. The position may also work collaboratively with physicians via telemedicine. The practitioner oversees acute and long-term psychiatric care, performs patient assessments, diagnoses and treats psychiatric disorders, develops and reviews individualized recovery plans, prescribes medications including antipsychotics, orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic testing, and makes consultations and referrals. The role leads patient recovery teams, conducts rounds and meetings, participates in court hearings, and serves as a liaison to the courts. It also includes supervising or leading the work of others, including other APRNs, carrying out administrative duties, participating in quality improvement and professional practice evaluation, and representing the Medical Director when needed. The position may support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which can require an alternate shift or location. Applicants must have a master’s degree or higher from an appropriately accredited advanced practice registered nurse program, at least two years of clinical nursing experience, and one year of experience supervising or leading others. One year of APRN work experience is preferred. Required credentials include APRN registration and certification, an APRN specialty certification, a current or obtainable DEA registration, and a National Provider Identifier. Employment is full-time, day shift, and not eligible for telework. Travel is up to 10%.

Requirements

Graduate from an advanced practice registered nurse educational program accredited by a national nursing education accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Board of Nursing, with a master’s degree or higher.
At least two years (24 months) of clinical nursing experience.
One year (12 months) of experience supervising or leading the work of others.
Be registered and certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing or by a state recognizing reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Have an APRN specialization certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or another recognized certifying agency.
Have, or be able to obtain, a current Drug Enforcement Agency registration certificate.
Possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI).
Knowledge of psychiatric and nursing methods and procedures, including laws and ordinances governing mental health and hospital operations.
Knowledge of medical and psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment principles and procedures.
Knowledge of developing, implementing, and documenting case histories and individualized care and recovery plans.
Skill in interpreting laboratory results and in patient care and treatment, including use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.
Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders; supervise others providing psychiatric and medical care; and interact appropriately with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally, prepare and maintain medical records, work effectively on interdisciplinary teams, and work independently with flexibility.
Pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks; applicants must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Responsibilities

Provide acute and long-term psychiatric care and assess patients’ mental health status.
Evaluate injuries or changes in physical status and make appropriate referrals; diagnose, treat, and document acute issues as they relate to psychiatric care.
Prescribe medications, including antipsychotics; order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic testing; and arrange consultations and referrals.
Meet face to face with individuals for initial and ongoing psychiatric assessments, review treatment, and update or change treatment as warranted.
Conduct rounds, lead Recovery Team Meetings, participate in court hearings, and serve as a liaison to the courts.
Conduct periodic reviews of hospitalized patients when on-call to evaluate reported changes in status or condition.
Oversee psychiatric diagnoses and recovery plans, including review of risks and health status, and ensure necessary supports and identified needs are addressed.
Oversee accurate and timely documentation, including annual summaries, physical restraint records, assessment accuracy, policy compliance, and revenue enhancement.
Participate in hospital-wide quality assessment and performance improvement, including medical record audits, compliance monitoring, plans of correction, implementation monitoring, and outcome evaluation.
Participate in Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation by monitoring other APRNs’ practice and providing performance feedback.
Plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others, including other APRNs, and perform assigned administrative duties.
Participate in internal and external meetings and represent the Medical Director in their absence.
Support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when assigned; this may involve an alternate shift pattern or location.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned shift schedules, and perform other duties as assigned.