Position Summary:

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 Psychiatry, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner receives supervision from a Center’s Psychiatrist, as required by the state and federal laws. This is a full-time, onsite position.

 

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 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 professional identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and well-being in the lives of individuals and in our community.

 

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 comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based management of psychiatric conditions to support the health and safety of students:

Perform thorough psychiatric assessments of students presenting for mental health services with consideration of bio-psycho-social factors impacting their health in establishing diagnosis and treatment plans. 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 multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the health and safety 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 staff 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. Uphold an individual service plan of 60% direct service to students and 40% administrative and other functions. 

Provide collaborative 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 to ensure safety and support students in a compassionate, responsive, and multidisciplinary framework. 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 and education 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. May 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.

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 reports administratively and functionally to a UCC Associate Director for Psychiatry.

 

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.