PSYCHIATRIC ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE

Cook County•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) provides primary psychiatric assessment and management of patients with co-morbid medical disease and mental illness. As an independent APRN in the State of Illinois, provides initial psychiatric consultations in all settings across Cook County Health (CCH) including Stroger Emergency, outpatient clinics, Correctional Health Services, and inpatient settings. The APRN will assess and manage using advance diagnostic skills, interpreting results, and prescribing psychotropic medications as approved by the medical staff.

Requirements

Current License as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to starting employment
Current State of Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License or have the ability to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to starting employment
Must obtain a DEA license or must obtain two weeks prior to starting employment
Must obtain an IL Controlled Substance License or must obtain two weeks prior to starting employment
Must meet one of the following requirements: o Certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with three (3) years of experience working as a nurse in a mental health setting (including but not limited to inpatient psychiatry or an outpatient behavioral health clinic) o Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with three (3) years of experience working as a nurse in a mental health setting (including but not limited to inpatient psychiatry or an outpatient behavioral health clinic) o Certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with one (1) year of experience prescribing psychotropic medications o Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with one (1) year of experience prescribing psychotropic medications
Position requires local travel for which the employee must possess a valid driver's license and insured vehicle or otherwise provide an acceptable and reliable means of transportation
Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health to include a State of Illinois APN license and any other license, certification or specialized training, etc. no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date.
Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Advanced Practice Nursing with a concentration in the field of psychiatric nursing
Knowledge of age-specific and culture-specific differences in the served population, including physiological, psychological, cultural, and developmental differences in each group.
Knowledge of all applicable departmental, Cook County, state and federal regulations regarding patient care.
Proficiency in Microsoft office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
Strong organizational skills to manage large volume of patients and referrals.
Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships with members of the health care team, patients and other personnel.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to assess information, apply critical thinking to determine course of action and relay this information to patient’s families and clinical staff.
Ability to work independently and to prioritize and mange time.
Ability to demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural diversity, gender differences and sexual orientation of patients and coworkers.
Ability to provide clear and concise documentation regarding patients and to maintain this information in a confidential and HIPAA complaint manner.

Responsibilities

Assesses referred patients and provides consultation for patients across clinical settings within Cook County Health (i.e., Correctional Health Services, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency rooms, Community Triage and Stabilization Center.
Orders and reviews tests, formulates treatment plan and meets with patients/families/providers to inform them of biopsychosocial management plan.
Provides education about behavioral health screening, treatment, and patient safety issues to patients, students, and clinical staff.
Documents all encounters with patients in the electronic medical record and communicates diagnoses and treatment recommendations to appropriate staff.
Makes appropriate referrals for patients depending upon clinical need.
Attends required meetings and participates in assigned committees.
Participates in necessary peer review and quality assurance activities.
Contacts on-call Psychiatrist via telehealth/telepsychiatry if specific patient challenges exist.
Provides trauma informed care interventions, as needed.
Addresses recovery needs and consults as indicated.
Maintains secure environment in ensuring patient safety
Collaborates with CCH leadership and staff to evaluate and facilitate patient care in the scope of Psychiatry.
Performs other duties as assigned.