(NP) Nurse Practitioner - Outpatient Psychiatry

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the “gold standard” for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas, which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

Under the general supervision of a licensed attending Psychiatrist in the Outpatient Psychiatry Services La Jolla clinic, and in consultation with the lead psychiatrist of the La Jolla General Psychiatry Program, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) will provide specialized mental health care services to patients of all ages. Evaluate and manage psychiatric disorders. Conduct in-depth interviews with patients, construct comprehensive medical histories, perform initial and periodic physical examinations. Coordinate appropriate follow-up care, referrals, and case management. Perform crisis intervention and medication management. Develop and implement long and short range treatment plans. Provide bridge care and routine appointments for general psychiatry patients. Consult and coordinate care with other medical and psychologist staff, and outside agencies.

Provide crisis counseling to patients and families regarding any aspect of diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders. Participate in continuing education for staff. Prepare cases for the collaborating physicians, and training staff to meet clinical standard of practice. Prepare and maintain files in anticipation of internal, sponsor, or FDA audits. Participate in regulatory compliance and quality assurance for psychiatric cases and will serve as a resource in evaluation and management of psychiatric disorders for primary care staff. Possible participation in campus committees, research and/or quality assurance studies. This is a full-time, clinical position.

Depending on experience of the selected candidate, this position will be hired at the NPI or NPII level.

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

• Must be a graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program.

• Current State of California Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) License, State of California Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Number.

• Current Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (PMHNP).

• BLS/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Recent related clinical experience. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience.

• Knowledge of community agencies most frequently used in mental health care.

• Advanced knowledge and experience in managing psychiatric medications.

• Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric principles, practices, and process gained through extended clinical study and experience.

• Advanced knowledge of psychiatric models of care with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to discuss difficult issues with sensitivity and tact.

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to conduct health history and perform a physical examination. Ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal patient assessment findings. Ability to interpret laboratory data.

• Skill in interviewing and counseling. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

• Demonstrated ability to serve a large volume of patients rapidly and effectively on a walk-in or appointment basis, within set time limits.

• Proven abilities to provide crisis counseling to patients and families regarding any aspect of diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders; ability to provide education to the patient and family related to the ongoing primary care of the patient such as health maintenance, prevention, anticipatory guidance, and management of psychiatric disorders.

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements: Health Insurance Portability, Accountability ACT-HIPAA, etc.

• Extensive experience in providing continuing education for staff and develop relevant programs regarding the diagnosis and management of the patients with psychiatric disorders.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Recent experience in an outpatient mental health setting.

• Experience completing high volume of initial psychiatric assessments and managing longitudinal care of full caseload.

• Experience engaging in interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice (physicians, social workers, etc.).

• Must be able to work evenings and overtime as needed.
• Must be able to work flexible late afternoon outpatient adult psychiatric clinic.
• Schedule and location may vary due to departmental needs.
• Must be able to collaborate with and lead NP students and nursing staff.
• Certified by the County to place patients on legal holds (e.g. 5150, 5250).
• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.