Master's degree in nursing with PMHNP program completion or post-master's PMHNP certificate.
Current Texas RN license or multistate RN privilege.
Current Texas Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
National certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
3-5 years of psychiatric or behavioral health experience, preferably with children and adolescents.
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and assessments.
Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the treatment team.
Monitor residents' progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Prescribe and manage medications within scope of practice.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care.
Participate in admissions and treatment team meetings.
Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies as per protocols.
Benefits
Supportive work environment focused on trauma-informed care.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Collaborative team atmosphere with interdisciplinary support.
Engagement in meaningful work with adolescent females.
Participation in a rotating 24-hour medical call coverage.
Full Job Description
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Nexus Neurorecovery Center - San Antonio, TX Setting: Residential Treatment Center for Adolescent Females
We are seeking a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who brings clinical expertise, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach to caring for adolescents.
Position Summary
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive psychiatric assessment, treatment, and medication management for adolescent female residents. Working under the direction of the Medical Director and in collaboration with the treatment team, the PMHNP develops individualized care plans, evaluates treatment progress, and supports each resident's psychiatric and overall health needs.
The ideal candidate understands adolescent development, builds effective therapeutic relationships, and collaborates closely with residents, families, and clinical staff to support safe, consistent care throughout residential treatment.
Key Responsibilities
Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment
Complete comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including health histories, mental status examinations, review of clinical records, and assessment of current symptoms and functioning.
Assess psychiatric conditions, behavioral concerns, trauma-related symptoms, and co-occurring medical needs.
Evaluate safety concerns, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and changes in behavioral or emotional stability.
Develop individualized, developmentally appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with the Medical Director and interdisciplinary team.
Monitor residents' progress and adjust treatment recommendations based on clinical response.
Perform physical and neurological examinations within the scope of training, licensure, and clinical privileges.
Order appropriate laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures, interpret results, and coordinate follow-up care.
Medication Management
Prescribe and manage medications within authorized scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and facility guidelines.
Monitor medication effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and required laboratory results.
Educate residents and their parents or guardians, as appropriate, about medications, treatment goals, and potential side effects.
Collaborate with nursing staff to monitor medication adherence and communicate changes in resident condition.
Consult the supervising or attending physician regarding unusual findings, unexpected events, or concerns requiring physician involvement.
Interdisciplinary Care & Family Collaboration
Participate in admissions meetings and weekly treatment team meetings.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and direct care staff to coordinate psychiatric, medical, and behavioral treatment.
Incorporate relevant information from residents, families, and team members into assessment and care planning.
Submit resident care plans and treatment goals for periodic physician review and evaluation.
Recommend specialty consultations, therapeutic services, and community resources based on resident and family needs.
Support discharge planning and continuity of care with outpatient providers and other appropriate resources.
Provide clinical education and serve as a resource to staff regarding psychiatric symptoms, medications, and adolescent care.
Safety, Documentation & Clinical Coverage
Respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies within clinical scope and facility protocols.
Participate in 24-hour medical call coverage on a rotating schedule.
Maintain timely, accurate documentation of assessments, treatment plans, medication changes, and resident progress.
Follow applicable nursing practice requirements, facility policies, infection prevention practices, and patient safety standards.
Use trauma-informed communication and support a safe, respectful therapeutic environment.
Complete required behavioral management and de-escalation training.
Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, clinical literature, and facility training.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Master's degree or higher in nursing with completion of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, or a graduate nursing degree with completion of a post-master's PMHNP certificate program.
Licensure & Certification
Current Texas Registered Nurse license or applicable multistate RN privilege.
Current Texas Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Prescriptive authority appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, maintained throughout employment.
Completion and maintenance of required behavioral management and de-escalation training and certifications, such as SAMA, PIP, or an equivalent facility-approved program.
Experience
Three to five years of relevant psychiatric or behavioral health experience preferred, particularly with children and adolescents.
Experience in residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, or a similar structured behavioral health setting preferred.
Experience conducting psychiatric evaluations and managing medications for adolescent patients.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical judgment and psychiatric assessment skills.
Understanding of adolescent development and the needs of adolescent females in residential treatment.
Ability to establish therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Clear, compassionate communication with residents, families, and treatment team members.
Strong documentation, organization, and follow-through.
Commitment to resident safety, dignity, and individualized care.
Join Our Team
Help adolescent females build the stability, skills, and confidence they need to move forward. Join Nexus Neurorecovery Center - San Antonio and contribute to compassionate, coordinated care throughout each resident's treatment journey.
