Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP/PMHNP)/Physician Assistant (PA)

Job Summary 

The role of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients in an outpatient setting. This position will be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with mental health and emotional disorders, providing individual treatment plans as well as prescribing our cutting-edge treatments including Spravato as well as other medications when necessary. 

Role and Responsibilities 

• Provides the highest standard of medical care for all Sanford Behavioral Health clients and participates as an active member of the continuum of care. This includes all levels of care within the substance use disorder, mental health, and eating disorder units including detox, residential, MAT, and outpatient clients. 
• Is available on-call or secures another Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to take call responsibilities.  
• Participates in the creation, implementation, and revisions of various aspects of the Sanford Behavioral Health treatment programming and administration processes. 
• Completes history and physical exams for all clients.   
• Completes medical and psychiatric evaluations for clients as indicated.   
• Completes follow-up exams for all clients.  
• Completes medical pre-admission screens. 
• Completes consults for current clients.  
• Completes consults for the admissions team.  
• Diagnoses and treats mental health and emotional disorders. 
• Offers individual treatment plans to patients. 
• Prescribes and monitors medications. 
• Provides information and education about pharmacological factors in the treatment of and service of clients to other agency staff and the general public, as needed. 
• Provides ongoing medication management and monitoring including monitoring for side effects and therapeutic drug levels. 
• Maintains detailed records of patient visits and progress. 
• Assists in the development of individualized treatment plans. 
• Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient continuity of care. 
• Educates patients and families about mental health and emotional disorders. 
• Provides medical education for clients, staff, and their collaterals. 
• Consults with the Medical Director and Nursing Staff regarding client’s care. 
• Prescribes medication to clients in alignment with current policies and procedures. 
• Weekly case reviews with the Medical Director to facilitate evidenced-based practice treatments. 
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA guidelines at all times.  
• Adheres to the established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and employee handbook.  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• Graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Provider school.   
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner License required or able to obtain within 90 days of hire, or certified by the American Society of Addition Medicine. 
• Full licensure to practice in the State of Michigan with full prescription privileges including ability to prescribed opiates for Substance Use Disorder diagnoses. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Demonstrates interest in provision of care to client who struggle with substance use disorders and eating disorders.   
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.  
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.  
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment. 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs. 
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching with or without assistance. 
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations. 
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.   
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands. 
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly. 
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures. 

ADA Disclaimer 

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately.  If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.