Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Position Summary : The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is part of the University Counseling Center (UCC) in the Dean of Students division at Vanderbilt University. This position provides an integrated psychiatric assessment 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 PMHNP 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 PMHNP 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. 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. The PMHNP 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 provides outreach and educational programming to the campus community to enhance mental health, wellness, and skill development. Reporting directly to the Lead Psychiatrist, the PMHNP receives clinical and administrative supervision from a UCC psychiatrist as required by state and federal law. 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 individuals 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. About the Office of the Dean of Students The Office of the Dean of Students serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the Universitys mission of teaching, research, and service by fostering academic and social networks through which students develop as intentional learners and global citizens. The Office of the Dean of Students creates opportunities to involve students, faculty and staff in diverse learning communities and provides a critical support structure for enriching the overall student experience. We achieve these ends through strategic alignment, both internally and in concert with other university departments. We care deeply. We educate completely. We lead with excellence. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health are top priorities for the institution and by extension the offices of the Dean of Students. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment. Key Functions and Expected Performance: 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. 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. 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 UCC trainees, provide clinical supervision (preceptorship) 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 UCCs 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 Lead Psychiatrist. Education and Certifications: Master''s degree in Nursing and board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is required. Current Tennessee RN and APN license with certificate of fitness to prescribe is required. Ability to obtain DEA license is required. Current certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Lifespan is required Experience and Skills: Work experience in a counseling center and 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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Created: 2025-11-01