ED Psychiatric NP--Per Diem

Job Description Summary

Under the general supervision of a supervising Psychiatrist, and in collaboration with the Directory of psychiatric APCs this role is involved in evaluating and implements treatment regimes for psychiatric patients both in the Emergency Department and medically admitted in the hospital, performing psychiatric consultations for medication evaluation and disposition planning.

Job Description

Minimum Education - Preferred Psychiatric NP/PA with psychiatry experience can be considered. Psychiatrists welcome to apply.

1. Takes initial history, perform physical assessments, prepares psychosocial evaluation and care plans, including management of risk.
a. Consults with physicians, psychiatrist and other clinical staff members as necessary.

b. Diagnoses health and developmental problems.


2. Provides services to specific patient population.
a. Provides advanced practice nursing care to patients suffering from acute or chronic mental health problems, managing therapeutic regimes according to protocols.

b. Identifies risk factors and implements appropriate prevention and intervention.

c. Provides psychotherapeutic intervention, including crisis intervention, and health teaching to clients.

d. Identifies patient teaching needs and plans for education process.

e. Coordinates referrals and facilitates transfers.

f. Provides psychopharmacologic/intervention services.


3. Assists in the development of protocols for specific psychiatric patient population.
a. Works collaboratively with selected disciplines to develop integrated care plans for the psychiatric patient population throughout the continuum.

b. Acts as clinical resource to other nursing staff in area of specialization.

c. Plans and participates in staff education programs.

d. Provides consultative liaison services.


4. Is knowledgeable of, and utilizes appropriate community resources.
a. Participates in community outreach as appropriate to describe mental health program.

b. Coordinates the delivery of care with other clinical staff, consulting and collaborating as appropriate.

c. Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with providers of psychiatric and mental health services, including South Shore Hospital’s psychiatric staff.


5. Maintains standards for certification in specialty role and certification.
6. Performs all required responsibilities/duties addressing the ages of the patients served if responsible for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients.

Requires BSN, Masters Degree in psychiatric nursing/related field.
Current certification in specialty through American Nurses Association with authorization to practice in the expanded role.
License to practice in Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the expanded role.

Minimum Work Experience
Minimal 1+ years of acute psychiatric nursing and crisis evaluation/intervention.

Preference given to clinicians who have prior experience working in a hospital setting.