Psychiatric Nurse Practioner

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems.

The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) performs highly complex psychiatric care under the clinical supervision of an assigned psychiatrist. Work involves assessing, planning, and providing comprehensive psychiatric patient care independently or in collaboration with other health care professionals.

Directs psychiatric activities/treatment, monitors trends and activities, and makes recommendations for improvement. Prescribes medications, to include antipsychotics, orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic testing, consults, and referrals, in accordance with their scope of practice. Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor, including planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others.

Works under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director and/or other delegating physician or psychiatrist with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May also work collaboratively with physicians and psychiatrists via telemedicine.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Operates within the scope of licensure to promote and maintain a therapeutic and safe psychiatric milieu. Provides acute and long-term psychiatric care to individuals, including daily assessment of the individual's mental health status when warranted. The assessment also includes diagnosis, treatment, and development of a plan of care with documentation of the acute issue as it pertains to psychiatric treatment.

Prescribes medications, including antipsychotics, obtain timely medications consents, orders laboratory and diagnostic testing, consults, makes referrals and interprets the results. Refers all care decisions that fall outside the scope of licensure and expertise to the treatment team or a Medical Doctor (MD).

Provides psychiatric care meeting face to face with individuals, which includes an initial and ongoing assessment for individuals with identified acute and long-term psychiatric diagnosis; conducts a review of appropriate treatment specific to the disease process and updates or changes in psychiatric treatment are made as warranted. Writes prescriptions and performs medication reviews, within the scope of his/her licensing credentials and training expertise. Reports any significant trends or issues which occur to the supervisor and provides suggestions for action based upon their expertise

Provides comprehensive psychiatric care, which includes conducting at least quarterly psychiatric clinics and rounds. Conducts periodic reviews of hospitalized patients when on-call for evaluation of the reported change in status or condition of individuals under treatment

Provides psychiatric diagnosis and the review of the positive behavior support plan (PBSP) and/or psychiatric support plan (PSP), including review of all the identified risks of the individual, (choking, falls, seizures, aggression, etc.) as well as their health status, and ensures necessary supports (OT, PT, Nursing, etc.) have been identified and appropriate areas of need are being addressed.

Develops accurate and timely documentation, which includes annual summaries, use of chemical restraints and evaluating the correctness of assessments, and compliance with policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of psychiatric/nursing including laws and ordinances governing public health and hospital operations.

Knowledge of principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Knowledge of the principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of case histories and individualized care and treatment plans.

Skill in interpretation of interpret laboratory analyses and x-rays.

Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.

Ability to examine, diagnoses, and treat physical and mental disorders.

Ability to supervise the work of others who provide medical care to patients.

Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.

Ability to prepare and maintain medical records.

Ability to work productively with professionals and paraprofessionals as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to work independently and be flexible in carrying out assigned responsibilities. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Registered nurse in the State of Texas or in another state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Certified as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Must have, or can obtain, a current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Must possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#) as defined by Medicare Part B and enroll as a Medicaid and Medicare Part B provider.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an advanced practice registered nurse educational program accredited by a national nursing education accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Board of Nursing with a master's degree or higher level.

Clinical nursing experience providing medical and/or psychiatric care.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

MOS Code:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 66C, 66P, 66R, 290X, 46YX.

All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For additional information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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