Position Purpose:

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner position within Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will entail meeting with students who are seeking a psychiatric evaluation, prescribing psychiatric medication and follow-up, along with crisis intervention as needed. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a key resource supporting the mental health stabilization and functioning of Bates students with psychiatric and medication services who, otherwise, might be at risk of failing, dropping out, needing hospital level care, or creating a burden on other students/staff in the Bates community. 

Job Duties:

Patient Care Management/Documentation:

• Performs full psychiatric evaluations with undergraduate student clients presenting with the full range of psychiatric conditions, offering mental health diagnoses and treatment.
• Assesses for risk and high-risk; facilitates hospitalization of clients (when available) at St. Mary's Behavioral Health Unit, coordinates care with medical and mental health personnel there for client continuity of care after discharge.
• Understands and assesses for medical conditions that might impact a student's mental health and/or the effectiveness of possible psychotropic medication.
• Prescribes medication and documents any/all clinical and medication interventions.
• Monitors the effectiveness of medications on clients' presenting symptoms. Provides pharmacological education to clients (and family if indicated).
• Completes all clinical documentation in the CAPS EMR within 24-72 hours, such as, but not limited to: psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric follow-ups, client-related communication, and other related external communication. Crisis care interventions should be documented by the end of the business day, the day of any/all interventions and shared with the Director.
• Obtains releases of information for any/all related medical services at Bates Health Services (BHS); manages release-of-information documents in a confidential manner and according to professional laws and standards.

Consultation and Referral:

• Provides short-term client treatment and referrals alongside the part time Consultant Psychiatrist.
• Coordinates client referrals to Bates Health Services, PCPs, and other relevant medical/mental health personnel.
• Consults with Center staff to assess and provide treatment plans for high risk clients as well as referrals for higher levels of care.
• Attends staff meetings collaborating with CAPS staff and CMMC/BHS staff as needed.

Outreach and Education:

• Researches and gathers listings of providers in the community as external referral options.
• Assists and collaborates with the CAPS Team, when available, responding to outreach requests for Bates staff and student groups that support student wellness and well-being.

Administrative/Communication:

• Assists the Director and the CAPS Team in the development of protocols and procedures supporting the flow and treatment of students requiring medication evaluations and follow-up.
• Attends meetings from internal and external sources (i.e. BHS) to support student care and referrals.
• Supports the CAPS Team in situations where a student may be hospitalized, communicating with St. Mary's BED to transmit information from CAPS to ensure continuity of care (when available).

Other:

• Completes other duties as may be assigned by the immediate supervisor or designee that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
• Attends training and professional development opportunities for continuing education credits (CEU) to maintain Maine licensure in good standing.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing {BSN) or a Registered Nurse {RN)
• Nurse Practitioner degree with specialized training in Psychiatry
• Board Certified/Board Eligible Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Must possess active Maine licensure: APRN-CP, ANCC
• Certification-Adult & Family Psychiatry & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, & DEA Certificate

Experience

• 5+ years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• 5+ years of experience in conducting initial assessments, providing follow up medication care, and conducting crisis care evaluations
• Strong experience working collaboratively as part of a health care team
• Experience working in health care settings with young adults preferred
• Experience providing short- term oriented psychotherapy helpful, though not required
• Experience with writing policy and procedural documentation

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Specialist knowledge and experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, FERPA, professional associations and state laws.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be flexible, collaborative and have a positive attitude.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under stressful situations.
• Excellent communication skills. Write reports documenting complex issues.
• Excellent problem solving skills for complex clinical situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Keen attention to detail necessary for successful documentation, planning and execution.
• Proficiency in basic data management systems and basic computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, access to the library and athletic facilities, and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace. This position may accrue leave in accordance with the Maine Earned Paid Leave law.