Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Provides direct patient care at each MLMC site (Oakland, Grantsville, Westernport and Bruceton).

Summary: Under the general direction of the Medical Director of Behavioral Health, is responsible for the provision of a full range of psychiatric care patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice allowed by the State of Maryland. Under the general supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, provides consistent care to patients dealing with psychiatric disorders, emotional distress, and substance abuse problems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works effectively with the Medical Director of Behavioral Health and other members of the support staff in the provision of high quality psychiatric care within a team environment.
• Assessment and Diagnostic:
  • Conducts thorough psychiatric assessments to understand patients’ mental health conditions.
  • Formulates accurate diagnosis based on clinical evaluations and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Treatment Planning:
  • Develops and implements individualized treatment plans for patients, considering their unique needs and circumstances.
  • Prescribes medications and therapies based on evidence-based practices to manage mental health conditions.
• Medication Management:
  • Prescribes and monitors psychotropic medications to address symptoms and improve overall mental well-being.
  • Educates patients on the benefits and potential side effects of prescribed medications.
• Collaboration and Consultation:
  • Works respectfully and effectively with executive and leadership personnel in serving MLMC’s mission and accomplishment of the strategic plan and organizational goals.
  • Cooperates with all provider staff in the conduct of a meaningful and productive peer review process; must meet all quality measure and documentation requirements.
  • Attends Provider Meetings and Town Hall meetings. Additionally, held accountable for committee and team responsibilities and duties sometimes assigned by the Medical Director of Behavioral Health or senior leadership when applicable.
  • Provides consultation services to other healthcare team members regarding the mental health aspects of patient care.
• Education and Support:
  • Educates patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
  • Offers support and guidance to help individuals manage their mental health and maintain overall well-being.
• Documentation and Record Keeping:
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes, in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Continuing Education:
  • Stays informed about advancements in psychiatric and behavioral health care through ongoing education and professional development.
  • Participates in MLMC programs and contractual agreements with various payers, organizations, and associations that promote quality, team-based care, and patient-centered initiatives. Examples include, but not limited to Accountable Care Organizations, PCMH recognition, projects specific to grant agreements, payer value-based contracts.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Provides crisis intervention services for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
  • Collaborates with emergency services and crisis teams as needed.
• Upholds the Code of Ethics and mission of Mountain Laurel Medical Center in a manner consistent with the core values of patient focused, respect, accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and integrity.

Core Value Statements

• Patient Focused: The patient comes first and is central to all decision making.
• Respect: Treat all patients and staff the way you expect to be treated.
• Accountability: Each employee owns their actions, and expects the same from all others.
• Teamwork: It is necessary to work together in a supportive manner to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay committed to the pursuit of excellence, always finding ways to adapt and improve.
• Integrity: Always do the right thing.

Qualifications:

The Psychiatric Health Nurse Practitioner shall be an experienced provider of psychiatric medical services. In addition, he/she must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the administrative aspects of clinic operations and have a thorough grasp of the many and varied collaborative relationships necessary to maintain effective continuity of care for all MLMC patients. The successful candidate must have the interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with professionals and patients at all levels and to assist the Medical Director of Behavioral Health in liaison with local, state and federal agencies, when appropriate. The work environment is a typical medical practice clinic that requires highly competent psychiatric medical skills and the physical and mental ability to meet the needs of patients in both the outpatient and in-patient settings. The position of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner may be required to engage in some local, state or out-of-state travel.

Education and Experience:

• Board Certified or Eligible in Psychiatry with MD or DO or CRNP with PMHNP.
• A minimum of two (2) year’s experience in direct provision of psychiatric services is preferred. Additional experience is very desirable, particularly in the setting of a community health care center.
• Must be a graduate of a recognized Masters-level Nurse Practitioner program.
• Must be, or able to be certified in BLS. Certification in ACLS, ATLS and PALS is encouraged.

Understanding of HealthCare laws and Regulations:

Must have the ability to follow HIPAA guidelines as well as an understanding of policies and procedures regarding medical records put in place by the Federal Government.

Reasoning Ability:

Must be able to demonstrate the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Team Work:

An essential element is the ability to work and interact effectively and positively with other staff members to build and enhance teamwork in a patient centered team based model of care and in the overall MLMC organization; team engagement is a must to be successful in this position.

Work Record:

A demonstrated work record showing good attendance, punctuality, dependability and the ability to work well with supervisors and coworkers as part of a team effort is essential. A medical office setting is an environment that requires the ability to relate to all types of people while always maintaining a professional demeanor.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals is essential. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and the ability to speak effectively to patients, co-workers and the public at large is paramount.

Additional Skills:

Must have the ability to read and interpret medical and work environment related documents involving patient care, program descriptions, government regulations and MLMC policy and procedures.

Sensitivity to Needs of Special Populations:

Must be able to demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to cultural differences and needs of MLMC patients and be able to respond appropriately to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, economic standing, etc.

Physical Demands:

The work environment is a typical outpatient medical clinic. While performing the duties of this job, candidates may be required to drive, sit for extended periods, spend time standing and walking, handle considerable paperwork, operate computers, lift up to 15 pound boxes of supplies and assist patients who may have limited mobility.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a typical, outpatient clinic environment and possibly at locations outside the office. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.