Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About the role

The Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides professional clinical services under the direction of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Primary Care Provider (PCP). As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, this role delivers a wide range of health services, including urgent and emergent evaluation of episodic and chronic problems, comprehensive integrated primary health care, and specialized mental health care. The practitioner assesses, diagnoses, and treats a comprehensive range of health care problems, prescribes medications, orders and interprets diagnostic studies, and educates patients and families.

The role involves acting as a client advocate, mentoring other APRNs, and participating in professional activities at local and state levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary and preventive medical care, including mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment within a limited scope of CPT codes.
• Prescribe medications based on mental health diagnoses and manage Veterans’ mental health needs over time.
• Transition Veteran care back to Primary Care upon mental health stabilization.
• Deliver care within the scope of practice defined by national credentialing organizations, state Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission standards, VA Medical Center guidelines, and OIG regulations.
• Collaborate closely with the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and extended support staff, including daily huddles.
• Supervise support staff in patient care delivery and maintain universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Ensure timely patient flow in accordance with VA access standards and triage protocols.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assist during respiratory and cardiac arrest procedures.
• Investigate health problems by gathering and assessing historical information and performing physical examinations.
• Diagnose health problems based on patient history, exam findings, and diagnostic test results.
• Develop and modify treatment plans, including health education, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic treatments.
• Prescribe medications, evaluate treatment results, and make referrals for specialty care as needed.
• Coordinate health care services for walk-in patients and model clinical practice within the clinic.
• Operate therapeutic and emergency equipment, including monitors, EKG, oxygen, AED, and portable suction.
• Obtain and record patient history and perform physical examinations according to VA standards.
• Order diagnostic tests based on patient complaints, findings, and symptoms.
• Document all patient information in medical records and VISTA to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain the VISTA clinic reminder tracking system and close patient charts within 24-72 hours of encounter.
• Schedule patient appointments in accordance with VA access standards and medical necessity.
• Provide health education materials and resources to patients and families.
• Assist in ensuring accurate and complete electronic encounter documentation.
• Comply with federal, state, local, Joint Commission, OSHA, VA, and subcontractor regulations.
• Participate in performance improvement programs, peer reviews, and staff development.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and support privacy, rights, and safety.
• Assist in managing the CBOC’s day-to-day activities and perform other clinical duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program.
• Current and full certification as a Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Association (ANA).
• ANA certification as a Nurse Practitioner in either Adult Health or Family Practice.
• Current and unrestricted Mississippi license.
• Current and unrestricted DEA License; must obtain and maintain a Scope of Practice/Collaborative Agreement with a state-licensed physician prior to delivering care.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or Military Training Network (MTN).
• Prescriptive authority in accordance with state rules and regulations.

Qualifications

• Three years of clinical nursing experience.
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience as an APRN (three years preferred).
• Three years of mental health experience preferred.
• Experience in outpatient care in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine preferred.
• Experience with safe opioid prescribing practices for chronic pain.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software and strong computer skills.
• Exceptional diplomatic communication skills and experience handling difficult customer situations.
• Detail-oriented with strong multitasking abilities.
• Ability to set measurable education goals for patients, considering their needs, understanding, and available resources.
• Ability to provide individualized and group counseling, guidance, and health instruction focused on disease prevention and health maintenance.

Working Conditions

• Moderate physical activity, including handling objects up to 25 pounds and standing/walking for more than four hours per day.
• Work is performed in a typical interior/office environment.
• Required to respond to medical emergencies within the clinic, which may involve fast walking or jogging.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401k with company match.
• Generous PTO policy.

STGi is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.