Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Job Description

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner El Paso, Texas


Pay: $60.17 + $5.09 fringe = $65.26


DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES


Nurse practitioners and physician assistants form the core of the advanced practice provider team. Although there are some differences in the professions, NPs and PAs work together with the same expectations for core clinical care. The clinic mission is comprehensive, and the unique detention environment requires psych APPs to have a broad clinical background. The core scope of practice includes but is not limited to evaluation, formulation of diagnoses, and treatment of psychiatric and mental health care needs, including family units; urgent and emergency mental health care, public health management, case management, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, and gender specific care, including transgender care and management of mental health care during pregnancy. All health care provided to detainees is governed by clinic policy and established detention standards. All Psych APPs provide care under the scope of a collaborative practice and prescriptive authority agreement with a psychiatrist.


REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE


Degree issuing institution and or program must be accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

1. Graduate from an accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or Physician Assistant program located in the United States, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
2. A minimum of one year of clinical provider experience in direct patient care.
3. Experience in a detention/correctional or residential health care setting (preferred, not required).

REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

1. Must have an unrestricted, current license in the state in which the duty station is located. Any changes to license must be reported to employer immediately. Fulfills the obligation(s) of state licensing board to maintain state licensure including completion and maintenance of collaborative practice agreements and prescriptive authority agreements.
2. Maintains current board certification as PMHNP by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Fulfills obligation(s) of respective governing body to maintain board certification.
3. Physician Assistant (PA)

• Requires unrestricted PA state license and national board certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Current licensure as a PA by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.
• Graduate from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
• Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry from the NCCPA - required.

1. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
2. Requires current unrestricted registered nurse (RN) and PMHNP licenses by a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.
3. PMHNP degree from a graduate school of professional nursing accredited by the
4. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), typically a Master or Doctoral level education. - PMHNP national board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
5. Maintains unrestricted license with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and in the state in which the duty station is located to prescribe controlled medications.
6. Maintains BLS for Healthcare Providers® certification through the American Heart Association®.
7. This position does not require privileging.

ATTRIBUTES AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

1. Strong oral and written communication skills.
2. Analytical skills and ability to navigate complex system
3. Strong interpersonal and active listening skills
4. Strong organizational and time management skills
5. Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgement and decision-making skills
6. Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and cultural competency.
7. Verbal and written proficiency in Spanish (preferred, not required).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of and ability to apply professional, evidence-based, clinical principles, procedures, and techniques to patient care delivery.
2. Knowledge of drugs and therapeutics when prescribing and dispensing medication.
3. Practical knowledge of laboratory procedures and guidelines.
4. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures.
5. Ability to utilize interpretation and/or translation and/or assisted communication services as needed to ensure ability to communicate with patients or others who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) or have a communication disability or impediment.
6. Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
7. Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) in order to develop positive rapport with patients, co-workers, and other stakeholders.
8. Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships in an interdisciplinary, multicultural and multi-lingual environment.
9. Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
10. Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
11. Knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient medical records and information as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
12. Comprehensive knowledge of managing non-compliant patients, special needs populations, and patients with significant deficits in coping skills.
13. Knowledge of forensic psychiatry and advanced clinical concepts and principles - preferred
14. Verbal and written proficiency in English (required) and Spanish (preferred).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Psychiatric APP functions within the scope of his/her specialty under the clinical oversight of the Chief of Psychiatry, the Clinical Director (or designee), a designated consulting psychiatrist, and in accordance with a complete Scope of Practice agreement.
2. The Psychiatric APP operates under well-accepted practices and principles of psychiatric and medical care providers and in accordance with the Scope of Practice and as outlined in the prescribed Policy. The incumbent consults with the Clinical Director (or designee), Psychiatrist, and other behavioral health providers for management of complex psychiatric conditions and in accordance with prescribed policy.
3. The Psychiatric APP works independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. The incumbent coordinates mental health patient care, off-site referrals, and collaborative duties through scheduled appointments, sick call, or walk-ins.
4. The Psychiatric APP diagnoses and treats acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. This includes providing counseling, support, and prescribing various medications in accordance with the approved Scope of Practice and in accordance with prescribed policy.
5. Works within and performs functions as outlined in state collaborative practice and prescriptive authority agreements.
6. Applies knowledge of drugs and therapeutics when prescribing medication. Maintains safety when dispensing medications and is continually cognizant of the potential hazard of drug hoarding and trafficking among detainees.
7. Orders and interprets diagnostic and therapeutic tests relative to the detainees' psychiatric needs.
8. Utilizes evidence-based tools (i.e. Assessment of Involuntary Movement Scale) in the identification of risks associated with medication induced movement disorders.
9. Provides urgent or emergent mental health evaluation and initiates appropriate action based upon operating memorandums and policies, to include emergent use of forced psychotropic medication.
10. Follows prescribed policies in the management of significant mental illness including prevention of homicidal/suicidal ideation, plan or intent.
11. Provides telepsychiatry services for patients at other facilities as needed and as the local facility allows, only in the states the provider is licensed, to include:
12. Working with the patient's local primary care provider (PCP) to coordinate care for any identified medical concerns (patient's local administrative staff will coordinate the appointment).
13. Using video teleconferencing equipment and electronic medical records (EMR) software to examine and record the patient's care plan.
14. Telepsychiatry services will be provided in accordance with the Tele-Mental Health Services policy.
15. OPTIONAL: Provider may choose to obtain additional state licensing, outside of the state of his/her duty station, at provider's own expense, to provide out of state telepsychiatry services. If this optional service is provided according to the facilities' needs and policy, provider may be compensated for such services.
16. If a Medical Housing Unit is onsite, may admit, discharge, and perform daily rounds on patients and notify Clinical Director (or designee) of any abnormal findings.
17. Provides relevant health education to detainees verbally and/or with handouts.
18. Completes all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required/assigned.
19. Completes and passes all discipline specific competencies testing, initially and annually.
20. Assists in the orientation and training of medical and mental health personnel in mental health policy and procedures.
21. Maintains functional proficiency and ease of use utilizing electronic health records as required by, and appropriate to, the position.
22. Performs record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and position.
23. Documents detainee care visits in the required health record using required format, in compliance with the prescribed policy and guidance.
24. Demonstrates ability to solicit, interpret, protect, and transfer patient health records in compliance with the prescribed policy, the Privacy Act, and HIPAA regulations.
25. Adheres to, and maintains awareness of the prescribed Policies, Procedures, Directives, Operational Memoranda and accreditation standards.
26. Assists with preparation for accreditation and ongoing compliance with standards as assigned.
27. Adheres to Safety, Prevention, Infection and Control, Quality Improvement, Patient Education and other programs and collateral duties as appropriate to position. Participates in quality assurance/quality improvement activities as assigned.
28. Participates in the Peer Review process as required.
29. Attends general/mental health staff meetings

DUTY HOURS / ON-CALL REQUIREMENTS

1. This facility operates 24/7/365; response is required during an emergency activation.
2. This position requires rotational on-call duties and may necessitate return to the facility to provide care during the coverage period.
3. This position requires availability to workday and evening shifts. Availability during weekends and holidays is also required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS


This work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking or jogging over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or equipment.


About Loyal Source


Loyal Source provides healthcare and technology solutions designed to improve outcomes and support mission-critical operations. Guided by innovation and purpose, we help organizations achieve success across complex challenges worldwide. Loyal Source is a military friendly employer and proud partner of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership program.


Loyal Source uses AI-powered voice screening as part of our application process. After you apply, you will receive a brief qualification survey via text or email. Candidates who meet the position requirements will then be invited to complete a quick AI-powered voice assessment. This easy, no-scheduling-required process helps us and the candidate move the hiring process forward faster.


We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you have a disability or medical condition and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this step of the hiring process, you may request an alternative method or accommodation at any time by contacting Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.


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This contractor and subcontractor abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) .
These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of protected veteran status or disability, and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors.

Date Posted: 07/02/2026

Job ID: a1WPe000005vvRhMAI