CLASS SUMMARY:
This position provides quality medical evaluation and management, including education, brief/supportive counseling, initial evaluation, crisis or emergency assessment, diagnosis treatment and/or referrals to a population of Seriously Mentally Ill Clients. The incumbent provides prescription and management of psychotropic medications in accordance with an active Prescriptive Authority Practice Agreement. The physician is readily available for consultation by the Nurse Practitioner and/or the patient and maintains ultimate responsibility for the treatment.
DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS:
I. IMPACT: Engages in activities which normally constitute the Nurse Practitioner practice including: Administering treatments and/or medications as described in protocol and/or practice agreement. Teaching patients/families and assisting them to follow prescribed medical regiments, taking into consideration mental, cultural and personal background and financial status. The incumbent recommends appropriate measures regarding physical and social factors in the environment which may affect health status (e.g. diet or lifestyle changes).
II. LATITUDE: Clinical work is performed in accordance with quality assurance policy, governing laws and the approved practices of the profession. Work is performed with regular consultation and reviewed by the Medical Director and is guided by detailed policy and procedure.
III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: None
IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Work requires regular contact with other treatment staff, clients, client families, local, state and federal assistance agencies, law enforcement, courts, and criminal justice officials, legal representatives, health care providers, institutions, and the medical community.
V. DIFFICULTY: The work of this class involves acute observation, interpretation and analysis is involved in the reduction of client assessments to definitive diagnosis and treatment planning decisions. The incumbent will obtain detailed mental health history including chief complaint, history of present illness or usual health status, patient profile and social history, family health history and review of systems within 24 hours of admission. The incumbent completes mental and overall physical assessments to identify normal and abnormal findings within 24 hours of admission. Incumbent initiates, performs and interprets appropriate diagnostic procedures and tests. The incumbent prepares a problem list to assist with diagnosis or treatment plan within 24 hours of admission. Initiates emergency treatment and notifies physician as soon as possible.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Work involves direct client counseling and interviewing involving careful and precise use of language. Position requires the continuous preparation of clinical records, insurance and other reimbursement forms, evaluation and related reports for local, state and federal health and human service, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, and correspondence to clients, clients’ families, and/or other institutions. The incumbent makes occasional oral presentations to community groups.
VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: None
VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent performs work in an office environment. The incumbent is exposed to unhealthy, emotionally unstable, hostile, aggressive and/or verbally abusive clients presenting a risk of personal harm.
IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S):
Comprehensive knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques related to the psychiatric management of the seriously mentally ill.
Thorough knowledge of the laws and legal proceedings relating to the provision of mental health treatment.
Thorough knowledge of crisis intervention and assessment techniques, principles and practices for IDD, SA, and MI client populations.
Good knowledge of treatment providers and admission procedures for the region served.
Ability to communicate effectively and prepare complex technical documentation.
Good knowledge of community services and resources.
Ability to prepare and maintain client records and client confidentiality.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with others.
Ability to keep accurate and up to date clinical records and reports.
Ability to deal with stressful situations.
Excellent interpersonal skills required to establish rapport with clients.
Thorough knowledge of crisis intervention principles, practices, and techniques.
Thorough knowledge of client management guidelines for Virginia.
Thorough knowledge of diagnostic assessment.
Thorough knowledge of the characteristic behaviors, symptoms, and other manifestations of the various mental and emotional diagnoses affecting the client population served.
Thorough knowledge of agency policy and procedures affecting client care.
X. LICENSURE: Possession of a current valid license as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the State of Virginia, a Virginia Controlled Substance Registration and DEA Registration. A valid state driver's license is required. Must be eligible or approved for MCO credentialing.
XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
Completes psychiatric evaluations, makes diagnosis and/or treatment recommendations and prepares related documentation and reports.
Administers treatments and/or medications as described in protocol and/or practice agreement.
Makes treatment recommendations and appropriate referrals.
Provides teaching to patients/families and assists them to follow prescribed medical regiments, taking into consideration mental, cultural and personal background and financial status.
Recommends appropriate measures regarding physical and social factors in the environment which may affect health status (e.g. diet or lifestyle changes). Employs alternative treatment modalities.
Responds to client crisis and provides emergency care including assessment, diagnosis and treatment and/or referral.
Provides direct therapeutic counseling.
Consults with other professionals in and out of the agency.
Prepares diagnostic reports.
Maintains up to date client records including treatment plans, progress notes, and referrals.
Monitors client’s participation as it relates to medical services.
Provides aftercare and follow-up services as necessary.
Participates in case consultation, collaborates on hospital admissions and discharge planning.
Attends related client staff meeting.
Identifies community resources and coordinates care with other members of the health team and with other community professionals as appropriate.
Attends and testifies at hearings and legal proceedings involving client incarcerations or hospitalization.
Responsible for assuring safe practices as referenced in the JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals, and supports sage practices as recommended by the National Quality Forum.
Does related work as required.
Assists in managing, developing, implementing and evaluating the services of the unit including the training and evaluation of staff, time sheet approval, policy and procedures preparation and monitoring of unit budget.
XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant walking, moving, carrying, climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling.
XIII. MANDATORY TRAINING : The incumbent must complete and maintain all identified agency training and training updates. Incumbent will be expected to maintain ongoing continuing education required for professional license renewal and to maintain and improve professional skills.
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