Job Information
Vanderbilt University Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is part of the University Counseling Center (UCC) in the Dean of Students division at Vanderbilt University. This position provides an integrated psychiatric assessment and treatment of students presenting for mental health services to include the influence of bio-psycho-social variables to effectively guide treatment planning within a culturally responsive and affirming framework.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner addresses the development of appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a short-term, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students. The practitioner maintains appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers based on ethical and legal standards and requirements to enhance treatment delivery. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner also participates in the development of effective and innovative intervention and skill development programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emergent campus mental health trends and needs.
This position also develops effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, the Student Health Center, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Vanderbilt University Police Department and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety.
This position provides outreach and educational programming to campus community to enhance mental health, wellness, and skill development.
Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Clinical Services, the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner receives supervision from a Center’s Psychiatrist, as required by the state and federal laws.
About the Work Unit:
The UCC supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based
treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space, and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community. Congruent with this philosophy, we offer a hybrid work environment in which telehealth and in-person schedules are viable options to enhance work-life balance based on the academic year.
About Student Affairs:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide professional, time-limited and responsive psychiatric treatment to students:
Provide an integrated psychiatric assessment of students presenting for mental health services to include the influence of bio-psycho-social variables on treatment and to effectively guide subsequent treatment planning.
Order laboratory tests, interpret, and explain test results to students.
Provide education regarding medications, risk, benefits, and reasonable outcome expectations.
Develop appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a short-term, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students.
Coordinate care and engage in treatment collaborations through a multidisciplinary approach with other providers at the UCC.
Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers based on ethical and legal standards and requirements to enhance care for students.
Engage in clinical supervision collaboratively with clinical psychiatrists following Tennessee State Laws of practice.
Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, the Student Health Center, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Dean of Students departments, Vanderbilt University Police Department and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety for Vanderbilt students.
Participate in development of effective and innovative intervention and skill development programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emergent campus mental health trends and needs.
Provide outreach and educational programming to campus community to support campus and individual mental health, wellness, and skill development.
Provide specialized crisis intervention and follow-up services:
Provide psychiatric assessments of students in a mental health crisis demonstrating effective diagnostic skills and effective treatment planning for a variety of mental health concerns and conditions.
Respond to mental health emergencies in a culturally responsive manner to support students in a framework that acknowledges their unique and intersecting personal and cultural identities.
Identify appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for students in crisis, working effectively with the staff of the UCC to access appropriate resources, and engaging campus partners effectively to develop an effective plan for supporting students.
Communicate with campus partners supporting students in crisis and develop intervention strategies to ensure student safety and support.
Collaborate with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, the Partial Hospital Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and other community providers, as appropriate, to ensure positive student outcomes, a smooth transition to outside care, and/or a seamless discharge/transition back to campus for students.
Provide clinical supervision for trainees:
In the likelihood of having Nursing students as Center trainees, provide clinical supervision (precept) to those students as required by state and federal laws and regulations, with the goal of enhancing their knowledge and skill.
Participate in training activities including case conference, small group supervision, and
seminars/workshops to support trainee development and progress within the UCC’s accredited training program.
- Co-facilitate therapy and skill-based groups/works with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students as well as learning and role modeling for trainee co- facilitators.
Perform other administrative functions:
Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division.
Participate in division-wide events (Move-In Day, Rites of Spring, Diverse ‘Dores Day, MLK Day, etc.), as needed, to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly.
Learn and comply with financial policies and procedures related to travel, procurement, and expense reporting in order to be a good steward of university funds.
Engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops, to expand upon and bring back skills and knowledge to the greater UCC team.
Perform other duties necessary to enhance the student experience and/or facilitate the success of the University, division, or department.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports administratively and functionally to a UCC Associate Director for Clinical Services.
Education and Certifications:
A Master's degree in Nursing, board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and twelve months of relevant experience is required.
A current Tennessee RN and APN license with a certificate of fitness to prescribe is required.
The ability to obtain a DEA license is required.
Current certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan is required
Qualifications:
Work experience in a counseling center and an understanding of the role and function of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary setting is preferred.
Experience working with transitional-age youth is preferred.
Experience in the provision of crisis intervention and consultation is preferred.
Experience with and commitment to working with diverse clients, including individuals from ethnically/racially diverse backgrounds and individuals representing varying sexual orientations is strongly preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.