Psych Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Nexus Neurorecovery Center – San Antonio provides residential treatment for adolescent females who need structured, individualized behavioral health care. Our interdisciplinary team works together to support emotional stability, strengthen coping skills, and help residents make meaningful progress toward returning to their families and communities.

Position Summary

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment, treatment, and medication management for adolescent female residents. Working under the direction of the Medical Director and in collaboration with the treatment team, the PMHNP develops individualized care plans, evaluates treatment progress, and supports each resident's psychiatric and overall health needs.

The ideal candidate understands adolescent development, builds effective therapeutic relationships, and collaborates closely with residents, families, and clinical staff to support safe, consistent care throughout residential treatment.

Key Responsibilities

Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment

• Complete comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including health histories, mental status examinations, review of clinical records, and assessment of current symptoms and functioning.
• Assess psychiatric conditions, behavioral concerns, trauma-related symptoms, and co-occurring medical needs.
• Evaluate safety concerns, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and changes in behavioral or emotional stability.
• Develop individualized, developmentally appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with the Medical Director and interdisciplinary team.
• Monitor residents' progress and adjust treatment recommendations based on clinical response.
• Perform physical and neurological examinations within the scope of training, licensure, and clinical privileges.
• Order appropriate laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures, interpret results, and coordinate follow-up care.

Medication Management

• Prescribe and manage medications within authorized scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and facility guidelines.
• Monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and required laboratory results.
• Educate residents and their parents or guardians, as appropriate, about medications, treatment goals, and potential side effects.
• Collaborate with nursing staff to monitor medication adherence and communicate changes in resident condition.
• Consult the supervising or attending physician regarding unusual findings, unexpected events, or concerns requiring physician involvement.

Interdisciplinary Care & Family Collaboration

• Participate in admissions meetings and weekly treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and direct care staff to coordinate psychiatric, medical, and behavioral treatment.
• Incorporate relevant information from residents, families, and team members into assessment and care planning.
• Submit resident care plans and treatment goals for periodic physician review and evaluation.
• Recommend specialty consultations, therapeutic services, and community resources based on resident and family needs.
• Support discharge planning and continuity of care with outpatient providers and other appropriate resources.
• Provide clinical education and serve as a resource to staff regarding psychiatric symptoms, medications, and adolescent care.

Safety, Documentation & Clinical Coverage

• Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies within clinical scope and facility protocols.
• Participate in 24-hour medical call coverage on a rotating schedule.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of assessments, treatment plans, medication changes, and resident progress.
• Follow applicable nursing practice requirements, facility policies, infection prevention practices, and patient safety standards.
• Use trauma-informed communication and support a safe, respectful therapeutic environment.
• Complete required behavioral management and de-escalation training.
• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, clinical literature, and facility training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree or higher in nursing with completion of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, or a graduate nursing degree with completion of a post-master's PMHNP certificate program.

Licensure & Certification

• Current Texas Registered Nurse license or applicable multistate RN privilege.
• Current Texas Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
• Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Prescriptive authority appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, maintained throughout employment.
• Completion and maintenance of required behavioral management and de-escalation training and certifications, such as SAMA, PIP, or an equivalent facility-approved program.

Experience

• Three to five years of relevant psychiatric or behavioral health experience preferred, particularly with children and adolescents.
• Experience in residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, or a similar structured behavioral health setting preferred.
• Experience conducting psychiatric evaluations and managing medications for adolescent patients.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical judgment and psychiatric assessment skills.
• Understanding of adolescent development and the needs of adolescent females in residential treatment.
• Ability to establish therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Clear, compassionate communication with residents, families, and treatment team members.
• Strong documentation, organization, and follow-through.
• Commitment to resident safety, dignity, and individualized care.

Join Our Team

Help adolescent females build the stability, skills, and confidence they need to move forward. Join Nexus Neurorecovery Center – San Antonio and contribute to compassionate, coordinated care throughout each resident's treatment journey.