Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Kalihi Palama Health Center - Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, HI

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

Provide healthcare management of behavioral health patients and assist in clinic teaching and administrative responsibilities. The nurse practitioner serves as a specialist in diagnostic assessment, medication evaluation and management, consultation, treatment and crisis intervention for patients at Kalihi-Palama Health Center. The services provided will be provided in an integrated approach with the primary care services provided at the health center. This person is part of the Patient-Centered Medical Home, where each team member plays an integral role in providing patient-centered health care.

Responsibilities

• Practice and provide care in accordance with acceptable standards of Psychiatric Medicine, the Clinical Practice Guidelines of KPHC, and other written policies and standing orders of KPHC.
• Provide comprehensive patient care with the ability to consult and/or refer to other health care providers/services/agencies as necessary.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, studies and ancillary services.
• Prescribe psychiatric treatment and clinical drugs to patients.
• Perform approved therapeutic procedures.
• Dispense medications from within clinic supply in accordance with legal and clinic standards.
• Maintain charting in accordance with legal and clinic standards.
• Instruct and advise patients regarding preventive health care measures to promote physical and mental well-being and to promote early detection, diagnosis and management of psychiatric and co-morbid medical conditions.
• Supervise clinical nursing staff as assigned.
• Review and manage on a regular basis chronic care and complex cases that require ongoing psychiatric and medical attention.
• Provide/promote 'informed consent' and knowledgeable participation of clients in their care and in preventive care.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient information according to federal guidelines and regulations.
• Assist in the resolution of complaints, requests and inquiries from patients.
• Provide health education/consultation to clients, families, other professionals and the community as appropriate.
• Collaborate in planning and participate in teaching paraprofessionals, medical students, residents, nursing students and other health care professionals.
• Attend all staff and professional meetings as required.
• Participate in health center and professional quality assurance plans/activities, data collection and analysis.
• Participate in monthly peer review, support staff evaluation, case conferences, hospital committees and other activities as required.
• Assist in evaluating and revising Clinical Practice Guidelines for practice in the clinic and in other practice policies and procedures.
• May be required to provide outpatient care at a site other than the KPHC main clinic per contracts or arrangements with outside agencies or per clinic expansions or operational changes.
• Communicate problems, concerns and suggestions to the Medical Director and to the Behavioral Health Director verbally and in writing where appropriate.
• Provides a full range of therapeutic services including diagnostic assessments, behavioral health consultation, crisis intervention, medication evaluation and medication management.
• Provides treatment through an integrated approach with primary care, medical specialties and as indicated with social services and healthcare for the homeless.
• Develops patient-centered treatment plans.
• Service as a key member of the interdisciplinary team. Works closely with the treatment team members (primary care doctor, medical specialist, medical assistants, social services, and care coordinators) in establishing short and long-term goals for the patient. Ensures treatment is provided in a team-base collaborative approach.
• Maintain current knowledge of the Hawaii State laws and regulations in regards to the provision of behavioral health treatment. Serves as a consultant to other specialties within KPHC regarding the specific laws and regulations for providing mental health and substance use treatment.
• Support departmental goals and objectives, including participation in grant supported projects.
• Perform duties in such a manner that is appropriate to the multi-ethnic patient population of KPHC.

Requirements

• Ability to provide crisis intervention and stabilization and has demonstrated ability to effectively utilize de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people who have chronic mental illness, substance use disorders, patients with co-morbid mental illness, chronic health conditions and substance use disorders, and patients with severe psychosocial barriers such as homelessness.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with patients who are under physical and/or emotional stress and to remain calm and professional when under stress or in emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in order to make recommendations, provide services, perform assessments, provide expert consultation, serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team and conduct educational lectures.
• Knowledge of community service resources.
• Experience in providing bicultural and bilingual services preferred.

Benefits

• Kalihi-Palama Health Center is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity.