SUMMARY: The Advanced Practice Nurse provides at least 4.5 hours per day of medical-somatic services to persons diagnosed as mentally ill. Under the supervision of the Medical Administrator/Medical Director, the Advanced Practice Nurse completes Psychiatric Evaluations, does medication reviews, and prescribes psychiatric medication according to Ohio State Law governing nursing practice and prescriptive privileges. Provide Clinical Supervision to the Registered Nurses and may carry out any duties covered in the registered nurse job description when needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Provide Clinical Supervision to the Registered Nurses
• Completes psychiatric evaluations
• Completes health screens and develops a plan to address client’s significant physical health issues
• Consults with psychiatrist as needed regarding diagnostic questions and recommended treatment plan
• Orders, interprets and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify clinical problems and health needs
• Conducts medical-somatic reviews and prescribes medication within parameters of Ohio Law governing advanced practice nurses and prescriptive privileges
• Consults with non-medical/nursing staff regarding medication management and the case manager’s role with monitoring and educating the client/family about compliance with treatment
• Coordinates medical-somatic treatment with other MHTMSC medical-somatic providers as well as community health care providers
• Works with each client to develop a strength-oriented treatment plan, which includes, medication, adjunctive strategies and helps client problem-solve in a holistic manner
• May see client in community settings as well as in the office
• Records all client contacts as per MHTMSC policy
• Provides nursing services generally within the R.N. Job Description as needed, including medication administration, medication monitoring and injections
• Evaluates clients who present with emergent or urgent psychiatric needs and facilitates proper disposition using psychiatrists for consultation as indicated
• Ensures client confidentiality consistent with Client Rights and all applicable policies and laws
• Meets with collaborating physician as necessary to assure quality client care and continuity of care
• Participates in training sessions with Medical Director
• Attends related, approved workshops and seminars

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Must have a working knowledge of DSM-IV
• Must understand the psychiatric evaluation process and cognitive mental status exam
• Must have basic knowledge of psycho-pharmacology
• Must be able to relate to a diverse client population in culturally sensitive manner
• Must understand laws governing client’s rights, confidentiality, nursing practice and prescriptive privileges

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required - An individual MUST HAVE a valid Registered Nurse License for the State of Ohio, a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from an approved nursing school, Certification as Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health and a Certificate of Authority to Practice.

Preferred - Advanced Psycho-pharmacology course, Certificate to Prescribe – Externship or Full Prescriptive Privileges.