Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Outpatient Mental Health Services) Location of services: Houston, TX Facility: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - CBOCs Position Overview The PMHNP provides comprehensive mental health care services to patients within a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. This role is responsible for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of psychiatric conditions, while ensuring compliance with VA clinical, regulatory, and documentation standards.

Primary Responsibilities Key Responsibilities – Clinical Psychiatry Services (Direct Patient Care ~95%) Perform psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients Provide care across: Outpatient clinic services only Manage full patient lifecycle: Admission, treatment, and discharge/transfer Provide follow-up care and ensure patients are seen within required timelines (e.g., post‑discharge follow‑up within 30 days) Treat seriously mentally ill patients and conduct e‑consults as needed Clinic Operations & Patient Care Delivery Conduct daily clinics with an expected workload of: ~6–6.5 patient care hours per day ~6 patients/hour or ~12 patients/half‑hour schedule mix Examine patients, interpret clinical findings, and coordinate care plans Collaborate with VA mental health staff and interdisciplinary teams Provide discharge education and care coordination for continuity of care Medication & Treatment Management Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications in accordance with VA policies Adhere to all medication safety standards (no distribution of sample medications) Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans accordingly Documentation & Medical Records Compliance Document all patient care in the VA electronic health record (EHR) system Ensure compliance with: HIPAA, Privacy Act, FOIA, and VA confidentiality laws Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation per VA standards Safeguard patient data and follow all VA release‑of‑information protocols Quality, Safety & Peer Review Participate in: Peer reviews, case reviews, and benefit appeals Quality assurance and performance improvement activities Complete QA/QI documentation related to patient care and outcomes Adhere to patient safety standards and report incidents appropriately Administrative & Operational Duties (~5%) Participate in: Weekly staff meetings Monthly town halls and program meetings Assist with scheduling and emergency mental health coverage planning Support communication of test results per VA directives Minimum Qualifications Required Qualifications Board Certified PMHNP Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any Texas Current BLS or ACLS certification Ability to obtain VA credentialing and privileging EEO Statement Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active‑duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr