Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatry Inpatient PMHNP

About Meritus Behavioral Health We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a broad spectrum of mental health and behavioral disorders. As part of Meritus Health, we deliver high-quality, compassionate care for acute and chronic psychiatric conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Our Team Provides Expert Care For

• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety and stress-related conditions
• Psychotic disorders · substance use disorders and dual diagnosis
• Behavioral health crises
• Other mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs

Our approach combines clinical excellence, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care to support individuals and families throughout their mental health journey.

What You’ll Do as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Meritus

Health, you’ll:

• Perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and mental status examinations
• Diagnose and manage patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions in acute inpatient and related settings
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including psychopharmacology and medication management
• Provide follow-up care, medication adjustments, and long-term monitoring
• Document patient encounters accurately and timely in the EMR

Typical Schedule and Practice Details

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (full independent practice with high autonomy)
• Expected caseload: 15–16 patients per day (typically 2 new admissions/intakes and 13–14 follow-up/medication management visits)
• Dedicated time for charting, prior authorizations, refills, and messages is built into the 8-hour workday
• Primary focus: Ages 8 through adult, with primary management of adults and some children/adolescents in an acute psychiatric level of care

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing (MSN or DNP) from an accredited program; completion of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program required.
• Experience: Board certification as a PMHNP (or eligibility) required.

Experience in acute psychiatric care, inpatient behavioral health, and medication management preferred.

• Licensure/Certification: Active Maryland RN and PMHNP licensure (or eligibility to obtain).
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Demonstrates critical thinking, extensive clinical competence in psychiatric care, and expertise in mental health assessment and treatment. Strong ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills. Knowledge of case management, outcomes management, and managed care.

About Us Meritus Health is a leading healthcare provider in Western Maryland, committed to delivering exceptional patient care close to home. We operate Meritus Medical Center, which includes inpatient behavioral health services for adults, and are proud to serve our community with a focus on quality, innovation, and comprehensive mental health support.

Why Join Meritus Health?

• Supportive, growth-oriented environment in a collaborative team setting
• Access to multidisciplinary behavioral health resources and consultation support
• Opportunity to contribute to high-quality acute psychiatric and mental health care
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and potential for professional development
• A mission-driven health system with strong community focus
• Room for professional growth in a dynamic organization

Why Hagerstown? Discover a high quality of life in one of Maryland's fastest-growing counties, Washington County. Explore rich Civil War history, outdoor adventures along the Appalachian Trail and nearby national/state parks, and cultural attractions like the Maryland Theater (home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra). Enjoy easy access to major urban centers such as Baltimore and Washington, DC, while living in a welcoming, diverse community.

Benefits Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement plans with employer match, paid time off (accruing from day one), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and more. Meritus offers affordable, team-member-focused coverage with multiple plan options, free financial planning sessions, and a caring, collaborative workplace culture where we are always "Happy to Help."