Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Substance Abuse / Inpatient Detox Facility- The Bluffs

Schedule: Pick hours to come in but looking for 12-16 hours per week on site.

Job Overview

Join our compassionate and fast-paced behavioral health team as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in substance use disorder treatment within an inpatient detoxification setting. In this role, you will provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis intervention, and ongoing mental health support for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

The PMHNP will work collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, therapists, case managers, and clinical leadership to ensure safe detoxification, stabilization, and continuity of care for patients in early recovery. This position is ideal for a provider passionate about addiction medicine, trauma-informed care, and helping patients begin their recovery journey in a structured inpatient environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, mental status examinations, suicide risk assessments, and substance use assessments utilizing DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria.
• Diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, psychosis, and withdrawal-related psychiatric symptoms.
• Manage psychiatric and detoxification medications, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) options such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and other evidence-based therapies when appropriate.
• Monitor patients throughout the detoxification process, assessing withdrawal symptoms, medication effectiveness, side effects, and overall psychiatric stability.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Participate in daily clinical rounds, treatment team meetings, discharge planning, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide patient and family education regarding psychiatric diagnoses, addiction, medication management, relapse prevention, and recovery resources.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within EMR/EHR systems while ensuring HIPAA compliance and regulatory standards.
• Respond to psychiatric emergencies, behavioral escalations, and acute mental health crises in a safe and therapeutic manner.
• Coordinate care with outside providers, hospitals, primary care physicians, therapists, and community resources to support continuity of care after discharge.
• Support facility compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards related to behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.
• Promote a trauma-informed, patient-centered approach to care that supports dignity, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Qualifications & Experience

• Active and unrestricted PMHNP licensure in the state of practice.
• Board Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
• DEA license with ability to prescribe controlled substances in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Experience in substance abuse treatment, addiction medicine, behavioral health, inpatient psychiatry, detoxification, or crisis stabilization preferred.
• Strong knowledge of psychopharmacology, withdrawal management protocols, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and detox protocols strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems such as Athenahealth, Cerner, Epic, or eClinicalWorks.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced inpatient environment with high-acuity behavioral health patients.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention practices.
• Strong communication, clinical judgment, organizational, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, or psychiatric inpatient settings.
• Knowledge of ASAM criteria and substance abuse treatment standards.
• Experience treating patients with dual-diagnosis/co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to manage acute withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented care and relapse prevention strategies.
• BLS/CPR certification preferred.

Work Environment

• Inpatient detoxification and behavioral health facility
• Fast-paced clinical setting with interdisciplinary collaboration
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on patient recovery and stabilization
• Supportive leadership focused on clinical excellence and professional growth

Join our team and help individuals take the first step toward lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care.