The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I functions as a healthcare provider, working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team, to provide psychiatric/mental health care to patients. This position educates patients and/or intervenes in acute or chronic mental illness, and practices within department and Kennedy Krieger Institute guidelines in accordance with State of Maryland Nurse Practitioner Regulations. The incumbent adheres to the Nurse Practice Act and all rules governing certification for their scope of practice and is granted specified professional staff privileges by the Kennedy Krieger Institute Medical Board which list specific tasks and are reviewed annually.

1. Conducts comprehensive or episodic mental health assessments of patients/families with real, potential, acute, and/or chronic mental health problems, such as psychosocial, cognitive, and personal assets and limitations.
2. Provides diagnostic evaluation, individual and/or family psychotherapy, behavior management, and pharmacotherapy to patients with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities, specific genetic syndromes, and/or other developmental disabilities, and to those in need of a mental health diagnosis and/or treatment who may not have a developmental disability.
3. Provides mental and physical health screenings, orders, and performs and interprets tests. Establishes medical and nursing diagnoses; orders and evaluates diagnostic studies; performs and monitors therapeutic procedures; evaluates and/or manages follow-up plans.
4. Assesses chronic health problems and refers to attending or primary provider when appropriate. Collaborates with other professionals to develop and implement a plan of care for the child or adolescent. Records and documents health assessment data necessary to maintain, coordinate, and/or expedite required services.
5. Prescribes and regulates medications in accordance with the State of Maryland Nurse Practitioner regulations.
6. Refers patients to appropriate licensed physicians or other health care providers as needed.
7. Conducts individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
8. Provides health education such as medications, illness management notes, and disease prevention information to caregivers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Teaches children/adolescents about good health practices, emphasizing wellness.
9. Develops, conducts, and/or evaluates formal or informal in-service and continuing education programs in area(s) of expertise for peer group and other disciplines.
10. Participates in research processes evidenced by: a) enhances nursing research quality and clinical relevance by promoting expertise and knowledge of clinical problems and clinical service delivery; b) assists others in applying scientific knowledge in nursing practice.
11. Participates on department, functional unit, and hospital committees as assigned.
12. Serve as a clinical preceptor for nursing students including nurse practitioner candidates. Participates in developing and implementing quality assurance programs.
13. Advocates for child, adolescent, and adult developmental disability within health, community, and school arenas.

• Registered nurse licensure and certification as a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner as required by the State of Maryland to practice as a nurse practitioner.
• National certification in area of specialty from a recognized Association, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) required.

• Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing required.

• Two (2) years of related clinical nursing experience required.
• At least One (1) year experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Kennedy Krieger Institute offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, tuition reimbursement, free parking and child care subsidies! In addition, we offer rich professional development opportunities. Now offering a New Student Debt Relief Program!

EOE/M/F/D/V

We require full COVID vaccination or documentation of medical and/or religious exemption(s) approval for this job as we are a healthcare institution committed to putting health and safety first for our patients, students, employees, and the communities we serve.