Nurse Practitioner - Inpatient

The Nurse Practitioner (Inpatient) Opportunity:

The Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive psychiatric and medical care to adult and adolescent patients receiving inpatient behavioral health services. Working collaboratively with the Attending Psychiatrist and interdisciplinary treatment team, the Nurse Practitioner performs psychiatric and physical assessments, diagnoses mental health and substance use disorders, develops individualized treatment plans, prescribes medications, and provides ongoing evaluation and management of patient care. This role promotes person-centered, recovery-oriented treatment while ensuring compliance with professional practice standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting pay range for this role is $119,538 - $130,166; based on education and experience.
• This job is full-time and in person, generally working 7:30am-4pm on weekdays.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, pharmacy, newly updated facility, life insurance, accident insurance, hospital insurance, employee assistance program and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What Qualifies You:

Required Qualifications

• Current Wisconsin Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP) license.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.

• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.  
• Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.  

• Demonstrated proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) documentation.
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely participate in patient restraint interventions when necessary.
• Manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced inpatient environment.

Preferred:

• Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
• One or more years of experience in psychiatric, behavioral health, substance use, or related mental health settings.
• Experience providing care in an inpatient psychiatric or hospital environment.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

What a Nurse Practitioner (Inpatient) does at NCHC:

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluations, including health histories, physical assessments, substance use assessments, and diagnostic evaluations.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory, diagnostic, and other clinical testing to support patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Develop, implement, and modify individualized, person-centered treatment plans based on patient needs, diagnoses, treatment history, and recovery goals.
• Diagnose and treat psychiatric, substance use, and co-occurring disorders within the scope of licensure and professional standards.
• Prescribe, adjust, monitor, and evaluate medications and treatment interventions, documenting clinical rationale and outcomes.
• Report adverse findings and collaborate with the Attending Psychiatrist regarding patient care, treatment planning, and consultation needs.
• Refer patients to specialty services, medical providers, and community resources as appropriate.
• Provide ongoing evaluation, management, and coordination of care for assigned patients throughout hospitalization.

Patient Care and Coordination

• Deliver direct and indirect patient care focused on improving health outcomes, promoting recovery, and preventing illness.
• Lead development of measurable and achievable plans of care in collaboration with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ensure care and treatment approaches are appropriate to each patient's age, cultural background, and individual needs.
• Participate in discharge planning and coordinate appropriate referrals and continuity of care services.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, treatment teams, and community partners to support successful treatment outcomes.
• Support and participate in the interdisciplinary team model of care delivery.

Medication Management

• Prescribe and manage psychiatric and medical medications in accordance with regulatory standards, organizational policies, and evidence-based practices.
• Verify, transcribe, administer, and monitor medications according to established protocols and individualized treatment plans.
• Accurately document medication orders, clinical justifications, treatment responses, and patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate expertise in determining appropriate medication regimens based on presenting diagnoses and clinical presentation.

Leadership and Professional Practice

• Delegate and provide clinical oversight to ancillary nursing personnel as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians and consult on complex cases when needed.
• Participate in Medical Executive Committee meetings, organizational committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings serving adolescent and adult populations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout patient care environments for extended periods.
• Ability to safely assist with behavioral emergencies and participate in physical restraint interventions when required.
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations involving patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms or behavioral disturbances.
• Frequent use of computers and electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written documentation.
• Exposure to patients experiencing acute psychiatric, behavioral, and substance use crises.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and reliable performance in a healthcare environment that operates continuously to meet patient care needs.

About North Central Health Care:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.