Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner

General Description

Under direction of the delegating physician, Center Medical Director and within federal, state, and local guidelines performs high level quality clinical nursing work. Work involves assessing, planning, and providing comprehensive patient care independently or in collaboration with other health care professionals. This position will report to the Center Medical Director (except for PTO and general program related matters which is coordinated by Clinic Operations Manager in collaboration with center Medical Director).


Provide Psychiatric services in the Denton County MHMR Center outpatient clinics and various center sponsored programs. Provide evaluations, medication management, diagnostics, and plan of care recommendations to clients with acute and persistent mental illness. Provides both crisis and regular services. Services may be provided face to face, by telephone, or by telemedicine. Works collaboratively with nursing, case management, and Crisis Staff. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under prescriptive authority agreement guidelines.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Graduation of an approved accredited school of nursing; Master of Science in Nursing and approved as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas is required.
• Board Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with the training and ability to provide psychiatric services across the lifespan.
• Prior experience with dual diagnosis (Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse and Mental Illness) and prior experience with child and adolescents preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Authorized by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas for Advanced Practice Nurses Limited Prescriptive Authority with a valid prescription authorization number.
• Current Registered Nurse in the State of Texas license without restrictions
• Must maintain current licensure including DEA and DPS licensure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills
• Must have valid Texas driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance, and maintain an acceptable driving record as defined by the Center's insurance carrier requirements.
• Must be able to perform the techniques of Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB).
• Must be able to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Must be willing to take on-call shifts if assigned.
• Must be willing to serve as a preceptor for APRN students.
• Ability to work with and treat individuals with sever and persistent mental illness
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and nursing techniques, principles, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of community health care principles, practices, and procedures; and of principles, methods, and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Working knowledge of computers.
• Skill in the care and treatment of patients, in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to explain public health law; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, an/or supervise the work of other. Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat mental disorders; to interpret psychological diagnoses and analyses and to communicate effectively. Ability to use and document in an Electronic Health Record System.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Provide evaluation, diagnostic, and medication management services according to applicable Texas Administrative Code, as outlined in the DCMHMR policies and procedures.

2. Prescribe medications and maintenance treatment to clients assigned to the individual provider's caseload and in emergency situations to those on other Denton County MHMR providers' caseloads.

3. Work as a member of the treatment team and make recommendations for plans of care.

4. Provides crisis care to new Adult or C & A clients over 14 years of age referred by crisis teams as well as crisis services to existing Adult or C & A clients over 14 years of age.

5. For children under 14, crisis care or consultation can be provided by APRN if agreed by delegating physician and approved by Medical Director.

6. Provide and document each service according to rules and regulations outlined by the Medical Board, DCMHMR, the State Pharmacy Board, DSHS, DADS, and TAC.

7. The Nurse Practitioner is to maintain confidentiality of individuals served and ethical standards.Communicates effectively following procedures with Denton County MHMR daytime, weekend, or evening teams as appropriate to provide continuity of care.

8. Practices workplace safety procedures.

9. Attends regularly scheduled meetings.

10. Prescribe medications and maintenance treatment to clients assigned to the individual provider's caseload and in emergency situations to those on other Denton County MHMR providers' caseloads.

11. Provides emergency intervention when necessary according to Department of Human Services (DHS) and Center rules and procedures.

12. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.