This vacancy is located at SCLHSA's St. Mary Behavioral Health Center located in Morgan City, LA. The incumbent will provide psychiatric services to persons experiencing serious mental health symptoms and dysfunction in any major life areas. The incumbent may interact with patients exhibiting resistance, noncompliance, diminished cognitive processes or ability to reason, and hostility. This incumbent will function as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

The selected candidate is required to be licensed as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner by the LA Board of Nursing.

Note: All SCLHSA sites are NHSC qualified. Applicants may be eligible for NHSC student loan reimbursement with full-time employment.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*

For further information about this vacancy contact:
Macy Comeaux
HR Director
macy.richard@la.gov
985-876-8876

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of an active, unencumbered, unrestricted and valid Louisiana registered nurse license to practice professional nursing or a multi-state license issued by a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC/eNLC) state plus an active, valid Louisiana Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. Applicants must also possess licensure as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the LA State Board of Nursing

FUNCTION OF WORK:
To provide advanced mental health medical care to individuals, families, or communities/populations as an advanced or expert clinician.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
General from the site's Center Manager and agency's Director of Nursing.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Functional over professional, paraprofessional, and non-professional nursing personnel.

LOCATION OF WORK:
Statewide.

JOB DISTINCTIONS:
Differs from other Registered Nurses by the presence of advanced and specialized training and duties and by the scope and complexity of direct care provided. The scope of services provided is in accordance with the educational preparation, national certification and recognition by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

• Demonstrates knowledge of DSM-IV diagnoses, common medical diagnoses, infectious diseases and infection control procedures, universal precautions psychiatric medications first aid and CPR
• Demonstrates knowledge of mental health and professional laws and ethics.
• Demonstrates knowledge of psychotropic medications, FDA guidelines, drug interactions, and specific medication indications and contra-indications based on age, gender, pregnancy, and other factors.

• Performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, that includes evaluation of mental status, current and past history of violence, suicidal or self-harm behavior, substance use, level of functioning, health behaviors trauma sexual behaviors and social and developmental history leading to diagnosis on five axes.
• Differentiates psychiatric presentations of medical conditions from psychiatric disorders and arranges appropriate evaluation and follow-up.
• Provides age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive services.
• Demonstrates ability to respond to and manage emergency situations including proper techniques for first aid and CPR and referral to appropriate levels of care.

• Provides appropriate and accurate medication management services, medication education, medication administration, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and medication compliance education and support.
• Adheres to the Board of Pharmacy regulations regarding storage, security, distribution, and administration of medications
• Prescribes psychiatric medication based upon best practices, FDA guidelines, and OMH policy.
• Coordinates with OMH Pharmacy, private pharmacies, and insurers to relay prescription information, obtain authorizations, and to monitor medication utilization.
• Demonstrates proper technique for preparing, transporting, administering, and disposing of intramuscular medications.
• Maintains medication supplies by monitoring supply levels, expiration dates, facilitating medication orders, and assisting with patient assistance program application processes.
• Orders and Interprets findings of relevant diagnostic and laboratory tests.

• Consistently and appropriately uses universal precautions during service delivery
• Consistently and appropriately uses accepted infection control measures including use of protective gear, disposal of bio hazardous waste and sharps, and approved hand-washing.
• Protects security of medications by locking and fully closing medication room door after each use. Data Entry and Documentation
• Efficiently uses OMHIIS to review client data and to enter direct services with relevant documentation.
• Documents services, contacts, and other relevant information accurately, in the approved formats and locations.
• Documentation is completed concurrently with the service, contact, or obtaining of information.

• Demonstrates ability to establish rapport and trust, demonstrate empathy, and build a professional, effective clinical relationship.
• Relays accurate and timely information through necessary medium: email, fax, phone, written document
• Consults with team members regarding treatment and progress of clients.

• Attends case review and staffing as needed.
• May attend other meetings as directed by supervisor or Center Manager or as needed in the best interests of the clients.
• Attends ongoing professional training in order to maintain license.
• May attend community or other agencies’ meetings to provide education about services and eligibility.
• Assists with Quality Assurance and other performance improvement activities as needed.