POSITION SUMMARYThe Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serves in association with the Medical Director, Outpatient Medical Director, and other Polara Physicians/Providers to deliver general psychiatric services within the various programs offered by Polara Health Clinic. Duties will include the management of a caseload, which may include severely mentally ill adults, child/adolescent patients, general mental health patients, and substance abuse patients. Patients may be seen in the inpatient or outpatient environment and may be Polara clients or the patients of other entities with whom Polara, by contractual agreement, is obligated to provide psychiatric care. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will participate in on-call and emergency care of patients.It is also expected that the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will act as a liaison between Polara and community physicians/providers, consult with non-medical Staff members of Polara clinical staff, and participate in the development and operation of various Polara programs, quality improvement efforts, and utilization management projects. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES • Provides quality diagnostic assessment and medication evaluation/management to meet the mental health needs of a varied caseload which may include seriously mentally ill adults, child/adolescent patients, the developmentally disabled, geriatric, general mental health, and substance abuse patients who are supported in the community through case management, day treatment, vocational, residential, group home, and housing services.• Completes diagnostic assessments and provides psychiatric management of patients admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit.• Directs, trains, and clinically supervises the non-medical members of Polara Staff in providing patient care.• Maintains quality clinical and administrative records, which are completed in a timely manner.• Participates in the Polara Quality Improvement and Utilization Management Programs.• Initiates consultation or referral to the Outpatient Medical Director, Medical Director, or other Polara Physicians regarding those patients with evidence of: A complex medical condition. History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Court ordered patients. Cases in which there has been an inability to obtain a successful clinical trial of medication. Complicated combinations of psychotropic medications. Presence of medical or psychiatric conditions in which there is the possibility of drug interaction. Patients with severe homicidal or suicidal thoughts and/or need for psychiatric hospitalization.• Assists and provides clinical input regarding program development or the assessment and modification of existing programs.• Attends regularly scheduled meetings to include those with the Medical Director, the Outpatient Medical Director, the other members of the Medical Staff, and non-medical clinical staff. • Assists the Outpatient Medical Director, Medical Director, other Polara Physicians in court ordered evaluation and treatment processes as may be mandated by Polara Agreements with the Courts/Yavapai County and as relevant to the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner's caseload.• Adheres to all Polara Clinical, Administrative, and Personnel Policies.• Performs other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS • 21 years of age or older; or minimum 18 years old and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32 and providing services within the personnel member's scope of practice; or minimum 18 years old for select administrative positions• Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License, current automobile insurance, and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization• Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing• Current license to Practice Nursing in the State of Arizona with Advanced Practice Certification as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner• Current State of Arizona Prescribing and Dispensing Authority• Current DEA certificateCORE COMPETENCIES • People - Passionately believes in people and embraces diversity• Integrity - Does the right thing even when no one is looking• Learning - Challenges old paradigms with critical thinking, curiosity and creativity• Accountability - Sets an intentional culture of personal responsibility; believes everyone carries the load• Relationships - Serves colleagues and consumers with love, empathy and compassionPHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONSThe physical and working demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Office environment, travel within the community, as needed
- Heavy exposure/use of computers, cell phones, office phones, etc.
- May be required to wear protective clothing (PPE)
- Annual TB screening per program policy and procedure
- Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout work hours
- Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 25 or more pounds
- Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols
This position is considered Safety-Sensitive by Polara Health.We Offer the Following Benefits to Full Time Employees:Medical * Dental * Vision * Short and Long Term Disability * Life Insurance * Health Savings Account * Flexible Spending Account * Employee Assistance Program * 401(k) * Up to 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off * 10 Paid Holidays per Year * Shift Pay (for select inpatient and residential positions) * Educational Reimbursement *
