Psychiatric Nurse Care Manager

Psychiatric Nurse Care Manager

Job Purpose

The Psychiatric Nurse Care Manager serves as the central point of contact for patients, providers, and care teams, ensuring seamless access to psychiatric, behavioral health, and primary care services. This role promotes coordinated communication and continuity of care by reviewing referrals, clinical documentation, and screening forms to determine the most appropriate level of care and provider type-supporting optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment & Triage

• Conduct brief nursing assessments to ensure patients are scheduled with the appropriate provider.

• Verify patients are established with PCC primary care and plan to maintain continuity.

• Identify and prioritize urgent cases (e.g., rapid decompensation, mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, urgent medication issues).

• Care Coordination

• Support intake assessments and care planning by conducting assessments or collaborating with Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs).

• Coordinate patient appointments, ensuring alignment with psychiatric schedules and provider availability.

• Manage scheduling for patients on long-acting injectable psychiatric medications, including verifying medication orders, refills, and clinic capacity.

• Crisis Intervention

• Assist with access to emergency services during psychiatric crises.

• Resource Navigation

• Connect patients with internal and external resources (e.g., neuropsychological testing, community programs).

• Communication & Collaboration

• Relay provider recommendations to patients clearly and accurately.

• Collaborate with psychiatric and medical teams in case reviews and treatment planning.

Core Competencies

• Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking
• Strong Verbal and Written Communication
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Organizational and Time Management Skills
• Cultural Competence and Patient Advocacy
• Crisis Management and Problem-Solving