Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Per Diem, Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital, Malden, MA

Tufts Medicine, a leading integrated academic health system in Massachusetts, and Acadia Healthcare, the nation’s largest standalone behavioral health provider, have partnered to establish the Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital, a state-of-the-art, 144-bed facility in Malden, Massachusetts. This hospital, set to open in February 2026, will serve as a center of excellence in behavioral health care and provide vital training opportunities for the next generation of clinicians.

We are seeking per diem Inpatient Nurse Practitioners to join our team for night, weekend and holiday coverage.  In this role you will evaluate and treat patients with mental health issues who are admitted and receiving care at the Tufts Medicine Behavioral Health Hospital. We are considering candidates with an interest in Adult, Child/Adolescent and or Geriatric patients.

Job Overview 

The Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatry position is responsible for providing primary care for a caseload of patients.  As an advanced practice nurse, the position has received specialized training and education.  The position practices in collaboration with the attending physician and other members of the multidisciplinary team to insure optimal patient outcomes.  The position works in conjunction with the primary nurse to provide patient and family centered care, providing psycho-emotional support, educational support and discharge planning that is individualized and comprehensive.  

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Masters degree in Nursing. 

2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. 

3. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Specialty nursing certification. 

 Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.  

1. Applies advanced nursing knowledge and experience to provide care to assigned caseload of patients, in collaboration with medical staff.  Incorporates evidence-based practice in patient care. 

2. Assesses the health status of patients by obtaining complete and thorough medical histories and performing physical examinations.  Diagnoses health and developmental problems and care for patients.

3. Orders appropriate diagnostic tests (laboratory or radiological) and age-appropriate screening tests.  Interprets results, records progress, updating responsible physician and patient. 

4. Prepares a comprehensive patient care plan, utilizing established protocols and performs procedures and treatments using nursing judgment according to established practice guidelines and professional standards which is appropriate to the age of patients served in clinical area. 

5. Orders and administers drugs in a manner that demonstrates advanced knowledge of pharmacology, medications, and appropriateness of prescribing habits (i.e. agents, volume, refill). Monitors medication treatment according to patient’s response. 

6. Writes clear, comprehensive initial and follow up notes. Orders appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests. Plans effectively for any necessary home care and follow-up. 

7. Initiates referrals and consultations with appropriate specialists when appropriate. 

8. Recognizes that patient and family teaching are an integral part of patient care and follows through on teaching that has been initiated with appropriate documentation. 

9. Encourages disease prevention and health promotion through patient and family education and counseling. 

10. Document all patient encounters, phone calls and emails in a timely and thorough manner using the EMR. 

11. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, manage care in a cost-effective manner, and to help foster a positive work environment 

12. Delegates responsibilities to others with an understanding of their roles, knowledge and capabilities. 

13. Serves as a nursing leader and role model to all team members. 

14. Performs role in a consistently professional manner. Holds self-accountable for professional practice. Presents self in a calm and professional manner. 

15. Influences others by establishing a climate for optimal patient care, mutually supportive collegial relationships and professional development. 

16. Participates in performance improvement activities utilizing performance improvement principles to support and improve patient care. 

17. Attends and actively participates in staff meetings.  Accepts responsibility for reading staff meeting minutes when not able to attend. 

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