Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP / APRN)

Ascent Behavioral Hospital•Millcreek, UT

11h

About The Position

Ascent Behavioral Hospital is seeking a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP/APRN) to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing medical oversight for assigned adolescent patients. The role is part of an interdisciplinary treatment team that includes psychiatrists, therapists, nursing, and direct care staff, and requires practice in accordance with licensure and state regulations, clinical quality standards, and documentation requirements. The position may be full-time or may be available for remote admissions on-call work by phone. The practitioner performs psychiatric assessments, manages psychotropic medications, develops individualized medication plans, monitors treatment outcomes, and supports continuity of care during hospitalization. The role also involves collaboration with patients, families, and hospital staff; participation in treatment meetings and discharge planning; crisis response; and compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and applicable laws and regulations. The position has no direct supervisory responsibility, though it may include clinical guidance and consultation for nursing and clinical staff.

Requirements

Current, unrestricted APRN licensure in the State of Utah.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with APRN designation.
DEA registration or eligibility to obtain it.
Prescriptive authority in accordance with Utah law.
Strong clinical, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
CPR certification.
Ability to pass required background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in adolescent psychiatry or inpatient behavioral health settings.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care models.
Experience working in multidisciplinary hospital environments.
National certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including patient history, mental status examinations, and risk assessments.
Prescribe, monitor, and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with evidence-based practice and regulatory standards.
Develop, implement, and adjust individualized medication treatment plans aligned with overall treatment goals.
Monitor medication efficacy, side effects, contraindications, and adherence.
Coordinate care with the medical director, psychiatrists, therapists, nursing staff, and other interdisciplinary team members.
Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, and discharge planning.
Educate patients and families about diagnoses, medications, risks, benefits, and treatment expectations.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic medical record.
Respond to psychiatric emergencies and provide clinical guidance during crisis situations.
Ensure compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and state and federal regulations.
Support quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based clinical practices.
Maintain a consistent patient caseload and continuity of care throughout hospitalization.
Communicate with parents or guardians regarding medication changes and treatment progress.
Coordinate care transitions, including medication reconciliation and discharge planning.
Collaborate with nursing staff to support safe medication administration and monitoring.
Participate in on-call coverage as required by hospital operations.
Uphold ethical standards, professional boundaries, and patient confidentiality.