How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift

Wellstar Health System is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Emergent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP) to join our behavioral health team at Kennestone Hospital. The Psych NP will provide high-quality psychiatric care to patients presenting with psychiatric emergencies in the Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient settings. This position is crucial for managing acute psychiatric symptoms, performing comprehensive mental health assessments, and ensuring timely interventions for patients in crisis.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in psychiatric emergencies, the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, and the clinical judgment to manage complex psychiatric cases in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct Psychiatric Assessments: Perform thorough mental health evaluations for patients presenting with psychiatric emergencies, including risk assessments for suicide, self-harm, and violence.

Treatment Planning & Intervention: Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients, including medication management, brief therapy interventions, and crisis stabilization.

Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Team: Work closely with emergency room physicians, nurses, social workers, and other behavioral health staff to provide integrated care.

Crisis Management: Provide timely psychiatric evaluations and interventions for patients in crisis, including those with co-occurring medical conditions or substance use issues.

Medication Management: Prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications, adjusting treatment as needed based on patient response and medical history.

Patient and Family Education: Educate patients and families regarding mental health diagnoses, treatment options, and discharge planning.

Documentation & Compliance: Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic health record (EHR), in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.

On-call Coverage: Provide on-call psychiatric coverage during nights and weekends as part of the rotating schedule.

Qualifications:

Education:

Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP) from an accredited program.

Licensure & Certification:

Current and valid Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license in the state of Georgia.

Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or equivalent.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of experience in psychiatric settings, with a focus on emergency psychiatry, crisis intervention, or inpatient psychiatry preferred.

Experience working in fast-paced, high-acuity environments such as emergency departments or inpatient psychiatry is highly desirable.

Skills:

Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.

Ability to manage acute psychiatric crises, including de-escalation techniques.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

Proficiency in using Electronic Health Records (EHR), preferably Epic.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Ability to lift and assist patients as needed.

Ability to work long hours and flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties.

Working Conditions:

This position is primarily based in the Emergency Department and inpatient psychiatric unit.

On-call and weekend shifts are required.

Clinical supervision and professional development opportunities will be provided.

Why Wellstar Health System?

Wellstar Health System is one of Georgia's largest and most innovative healthcare systems, and Kennestone Hospital is a cornerstone of our behavioral health services. At Wellstar, we are committed to the highest standards of care, and our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional, compassionate care to patients in times of crisis. Join a team of dedicated professionals and contribute to improving the mental health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.