Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Careers in Mental Health

Lori Martin, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Generic Information

Job Responsibilities:

Diagnoses the presence, nature, and severity of mental illness through psychiatric and physical examination of patients and evaluation of test data
Prescribes medication and provides psychiatric treatment and therapy
Formulates treatment plans
Collaborates with physicians, clinicians, nurses, therapists, and allied health professionals in the interdisciplinary teams
Refers clients to other healthcare providers, manages and coordinates care, uses research skills and diagnoses health/illness statuses.
Delegates care and orders, and monitors clients’ performance, progress, and outcomes.
Orders and interprets diagnostic and therapeutic tests.

Certification Requirements :

Nurse Practitioner license from the Oregon State Board of Nursing

Essential Skills:

Empathetic active listening skills
Clinical knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with persons with mental illness
Ability to function independently and as a part of a patient-centered interdisciplinary treatment team
Highly attentive to detail, confidentiality, and accuracy
Verbal and written communication skills

Other Job Settings:

Private practice
Medical hospitals
Outpatient Clinics
Universities
Government and community agencies
Civil and criminal courts
Corrections facilities
Military facilities
Rehabilitation facilities

Overview

At the Oregon State Hospital, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are part of the medical staff and function as leaders in the interdisciplinary patient care teams. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner has a graduate degree in nursing specializing in mental health issues and disorders. As licensed independent practitioners, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners autonomously and, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, assess, diagnose, treat and manage client’s mental health illnesses, medical needs, and/or substance addictions. They also serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary team consultants, and patient advocates.