POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavior Response Team is a newly forming innovative holistic model focused on providing cutting edge inpatient treatment and stabilization for individuals experiencing agitation as a result of complex behavioral health, underlying medical, and substance use needs.

The Behavior Response team is an Advanced Practice Nurse-Led team that will focus on the reduction of workplace violence incidents through education and clinical support of the nursing and medical staff on the inpatient units and in the Emergency Department. In collaboration with Public Safety and other key stakeholders, the team will respond proactively to address agitation in patients, develop evidence-based treatment plans, make medication recommendations and consult support clinical teams as needed to meet the unique needs of the patient.

The Behavior Response Team Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will round proactively to mitigate agitation identified by the primary team and perform interventions aimed to reduce workplace violence. The person in this role will possess confidence and skill in de-escalation, deep listening, communication and problem solving. The team will round and evaluate patients in order to plan interventions to proactively reduce restraint and 1:1 safety observation use. The Behavior Response Team will serve as a critical education support for bedside staff. The ideal candidate will be an optimistic, compassionate, open-minded and curious team player with a passion to make a real difference in the safety of the workplace.

Position: Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Department: BMC Behavior Response Team

Schedule: Nights, 24 hours

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Provide evidence-based evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients
• Develop treatment plans, measure progress against the plans, and make adjustments as needed
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Complete all necessary clinical documentation in an accurate and timely manner
• Collaborate with a broader team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and public safety and others on the clinical care team.
• Facilitates interdisciplinary consultation on patient's behalf through participation in rounds, team meetings and clinical reviews
• Coordinate and communicate with case managers, family members and other stakeholders regarding treatment and care
• Participate in the teaching of new licensed nurses and nursing assistants. Participate in departmental (Behavior Response Team) and organizational quality improvement and research projects
• Responsible for process reviews and outcomes measures, with a focus on continuous improvement
• As the program grows, will be responsible for managing support team members such as Mental Health Specialists
  • Tracks individual performance metrics
  • Provides one-on-one supervision to each team member on a regular basis
  • Consistently available for timely consult regarding patient matters during business hours
  • Facilitates access to appropriate training and educational resources

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Master's Degree from a Nurse Practitioner education program (with specialization in mental health) accredited by a Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing-recognized national accreditation body

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Current valid DEA certificate and MA Controlled Substances certificate or eligibility

Current advanced practice certification by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing- approved nationally recognized certifying body

Current BLS Certification.

EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner or five years of experience in Nursing preferred. Candidates who have a strong interest in working with patients who come from underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Prior Experience in working with, agitation and de-escalation techniques, patients struggling with Addiction, Behavioral Health or Dementia preferred. BIPOC and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Expert clinical judgment and ability to be self-directive and demonstrate initiative in an expanded role.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Full command (verbal and written) of the English language.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of adult learning to provide effective patient and/or family education.
• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
• Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate communication with the various members of the health care team, patients and families.
• Computer proficiency inclusive of the ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information required.
• Physical ability to meet the core job responsibilities in accordance with the practice setting demands for the patient populations regularly served.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans