APRN PSYCH -

About the Role

Function as an advanced practice nurse in Behavioral Health in the roles of consultant, educator, practitioner, and researcher. Prescribe and distribute drugs and controlled substances. Develop and implement patient care based on research and national practice standards designed to improve patient outcomes in specialized areas. Ensure adherence to hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about delivering exceptional, patient-centered mental health care, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, and skilled in collaborative communication within interdisciplinary team environments.

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans; implement treatment, follow-up, and evaluate patients within the scope of practice protocols as outlined by state statute.
• Prescribe and distribute all drugs, including controlled substances.
• Perform patient history and physical exams as needed for procedures or admissions; document findings noting pertinent normal and abnormal findings.
• Perform invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Evaluate and revise intervention care/treatment plans with patients and families as necessary to achieve improved health.
• Provide accurate documentation of patient care, document orders, directives, procedures, and patient responses in the medical record, and communicate them to other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide education for patients and/or families about preventative care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatment.
• Work as a team member with medical, nursing, and counseling staff to provide comprehensive care and promote continuity of care.
• Guide, teach, support, and serve as a clinical resource for nursing and medical staff.
• Act as a role model for advanced practice professions, precept nurses, other advanced practice nurses, and physician assistant students.
• Support research by conducting or participating in research studies; incorporate findings into clinical practice.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and/or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations they don’t understand or may "not seem right."

Requirements

• Graduate of an advanced nursing or clinical nurse specialist program.
• 1 year of psychiatric experience.
• Bilingual skills in English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, Navajo, or Spanish (preferred but not essential).
• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers within 30 days of hire.
• New Mexico Advanced Practice Nurse License (CNP, CNS, CRNA).
• ACLS or PALS (as applicable) within 30 days of hire.

Skills

• Collaborative communication and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Patient-centered mental health care delivery.
• Diagnosis and management of behavioral health conditions.
• Educational support for care teams.
• Research and evidence-based practice integration.

Physical Conditions

Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working conditions involve significant hazards, including exposure to chemicals and biohazardous materials, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Failure to obtain or maintain required credentials may result in termination with a 60-day written notice required to be eligible for rehire. Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required.

Department: Psychiatry | FTE: 0.05 PRN | Shift: Days