Lead Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Position Summary: 

The Lead Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an integral part of the University Counseling Center (UCC) in the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University. This position is responsible for comprehensive and integrative evaluation and care of students presenting for mental health services, and for leadership to psychiatric nurse practitioners, in conjunction with the Associate Director of Psychiatry and supervising psychiatrists, in delivering evidence-based care. The care provided incorporates biological, psychological, and social factors in a culturally responsive and affirming framework and targets student needs within a flexible, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care. #VUrecruitIND

This position is a Regular, Full-Time, Exempt position that is fully eligible for benefits. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Position Description:

The Lead PMHNP oversees psychiatric nurse practitioners in providing evidence-based care and maintaining appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers, along with their own individual care of students. This position also develops effective working relationships within the Vanderbilt community to ensure strong collaboration across treatment and campus resources, including the Student Care Network. This position provides limited outreach and educational programming to the Vanderbilt campus community to enhance student mental health, wellness, and skill development. This role reports to the Associate Director of Psychiatry and provides administrative and clinical supervision to psychiatric nurse practitioners in conjunction with the Associate Director of Psychiatry and supervising psychiatrists. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

                 Provide coordination and leadership of psychiatric nurse practitioners: 

• Serve as a member of the UCC leadership team.
• Provide clinical and functional leadership and supervision to psychiatric nurse practitioners in conjunction with the Associate Director of Psychiatry and other psychiatrists.
• Facilitate the integration of psychiatric nurse practitioners into the operations of the UCC through continuous improvements in communications, systems, and structures while also recognizing and advocating for the needs specific to the practice of both psychiatry and therapy.
• Orientation and onboarding of new psychiatric nurse practitioners.
• Develop and implement clinical and educational initiatives that improve or enhance student care.
• Prepare timely documentation of all activities as required.

• Understands responsibilities with respect to FERPA, HIPAA, Title IX, Clery Act, and other compliance requirements.

                  Provide evidence-based psychiatric care to students:

• Provide comprehensive and integrative psychiatric evaluation and ongoing care of students presenting for mental health services.

• Develop appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a flexible, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care.

• Collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students.

• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers.

• Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Student Affairs, Vanderbilt University Police Department, Athletics, 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.

• Collaborate on proactive, effective, and innovative programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emerging 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 evaluation of students in a mental health crisis with demonstration of effective diagnostic skills and 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 with campus partners to develop an effective plan for student support.

• Be available for consultation with other UCC clinicians and campus partners for students in a mental health crisis.

• Collaborate with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, Vanderbilt Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, Charlie Health. Intensive Outpatient Program, the Partial Hospital Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and other community providers, as appropriate, to ensure positive student outcomes and continuity of care. 

                 Provide clinical supervision for staff and trainees: 

• Provide administrative and clinical supervision of psychiatric nurse practitioners in conjunction with the Associate Director of Psychiatry and supervising psychiatrists and in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.

• 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/workshops with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students.

   

   Institutional, Divisional, and Department Administration:

   

• Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees, task forces, and working groups.

• Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events, including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.

• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies, procedures, and systems—such as those related to travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting—to ensure effective, compliant, and responsible operations.

• Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has administrative and clinical supervisory responsibility for four (4) nurse practitioners in conjunction with the Associate Director and one (1) staff psychiatrist. The position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director of Psychiatry.

Education and Certifications:

• Master's degree in Nursing, board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and 5-7 years of relevant experience is required.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is preferred.

• Current Tennessee RN and APN license with certificate of fitness to prescribe is required.

• Current certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Lifespan is required. 

• Eligibility and/or active DEA.

Experience and Skills:

• Work experience in a counseling center and understanding of the role and function of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary setting is preferred. 

• Experience in leading teams and/or 3 years of progressive leadership roles are preferred. 

• Experience working with transitional age youth is preferred. 
• Experience in the provision of crisis intervention and consultation is strongly preferred. 

• Experience with and commitment to working with diverse clients, including individuals from ethnically/racially diverse backgrounds and individuals representing varying sexual orientations is required. 

About the Work Unit:

The University Counseling Center 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 everyone’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. 

About the Student Care Network:

The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such, staff within the offices comprising the SCN work collaboratively to create integrated processes, referrals, and treatment plans to better serve the entire student.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:

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.