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If you’ve Googled “psychiatric nurse practitioner job description,” you’ve probably seen the same dry format repeated everywhere: a long list of duties, vague buzzwords, and no real insight into what makes a job post actually work.
But here’s the truth: those templated posts don’t attract great candidates—they repel them. The best psychiatric nurse practitioners aren’t scrolling through job boards looking for checklists. They’re looking for purpose. For a team that shares their values. For a role that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
And yet, most job descriptions miss this entirely.
Instead of inspiring applicants, they bore them.
Instead of telling a story, they list responsibilities.
And instead of helping you stand out, they make you blend in.
🧠 If you want to write a job post that actually attracts top-tier psychiatric nurse practitioners—not just warm bodies—you need to go beyond the template. You need to write with clarity, empathy, and intention.
Before we dive into the responsibilities, duties, and job templates, here’s a quick tip:
Check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. if you haven’t already. It breaks down what separates high-converting posts from the ones everyone ignores.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Actually Does
A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a licensed clinician who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions. They prescribe medications, develop care plans, and often serve as a patient’s primary mental health provider.
But this role goes beyond clinical checklists.
A great PMHNP listens deeply, builds trust, and supports patients during their most vulnerable moments. Whether in a hospital, clinic, or private practice, they play a critical role in improving outcomes, reducing wait times, and delivering compassionate care.
Hiring for this role isn’t just about credentials—it’s about finding someone who brings empathy, clarity, and consistency to every patient interaction. That’s why your job post needs to go beyond listing duties. It should connect with the kind of person you actually want to hire.
Two Great Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
📌 Job Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Help Us Expand Access to Mental Health Care (Portland, OR)
💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person or Hybrid
💰 Salary: $120,000–$145,000/year + Benefits
🕒 Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 [Insert Loom Video from Hiring Manager]
Who We Are
At Cedar Ridge Wellness, we provide trauma-informed psychiatric care for underserved communities in Portland. Our small but growing team values compassion, clarity, and outcomes that actually move the needle. If you’re looking for a mission-driven role where your clinical judgment is trusted and your input shapes care, you’ll feel right at home here.
What You’ll Do
- Diagnose and treat mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)
- Conduct 30–60 minute patient evaluations and med management visits
- Collaborate with therapists and care coordinators
- Document treatment plans and update progress notes in our EMR
- Help shape care protocols as we expand
What We’re Looking For
- Licensed PMHNP (Oregon)
- 2+ years of outpatient experience
- DEA registration + NPI
- Comfortable prescribing and managing psychiatric medications
- Strong communication and patient rapport skills
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We don’t just want a provider—we want a teammate. You’ll have clinical autonomy, supportive admin staff, and zero tolerance for burnout culture. We offer:
✅ Full health + dental insurance
✅ 4 weeks PTO + mental health days
✅ Monthly wellness stipend
✅ Annual CME allowance
✅ Growth path into Clinical Lead (optional)
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to ensure a fair and skills-based hiring process. Apply using the link below—you’ll go through a short evaluation to help us understand how you think and care for patients. We respond to every application.
👉 [Apply via WorkScreen.io]
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train PMHNP
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Join Our Supportive Care Team (Remote Available)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote or Hybrid
💰 Salary: $105,000–$115,000/year + Training Support
🕒 Schedule: Flexible scheduling available
🎥 [Insert Loom Video from Clinical Director]
About Us
At ThrivePath Behavioral Health, we believe in developing clinicians who care deeply and learn constantly. We serve teens and adults across Texas via telepsychiatry—and we’re open to mentoring new PMHNPs who bring curiosity, empathy, and a growth mindset.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct initial psych evaluations and routine med reviews
- Participate in weekly clinical case reviews with supervisors
- Collaborate with licensed therapists for integrated care
- Learn EMR workflows, compliance standards, and patient safety protocols
Who We’re Looking For
- PMHNP licensed (or soon-to-be) in Texas
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable with telehealth platforms
- Eager to learn and open to feedback
No prior psychiatric experience required—we train for that.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
We care about people first—our team, and our patients. That’s why we offer:
✅ Mentorship from seasoned PMHNPs
✅ Paid training period + shadowing
✅ 3 weeks PTO + sick leave
✅ 100% remote work option
✅ CEU support + monthly check-ins
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to keep things fair, fast, and focused on real skills. Submit your application using the link below. The evaluation is simple and takes 10–15 minutes.
👉 [Apply via WorkScreen.io]
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Why These Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes both of these job descriptions effective—and why they stand out in a sea of generic listings.
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear, Specific, and Role-Driven
Instead of just saying “Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner,” we add important context:
- Who it’s for (“Help Us Expand Access to Mental Health Care”)
- Where it is (Portland, OR or Remote)
- Seniority level (Experienced vs. Entry-Level)
This signals relevance instantly and attracts the right type of candidate.
✅ 2. Warm, Human Introductions
Each job post opens with a human-centered intro that gives real insight into the company’s mission, tone, and expectations. This builds an emotional connection, especially with purpose-driven professionals like PMHNPs who care deeply about who they work with and why.
✅ 3. Transparent Salary and Benefits
Top candidates don’t want to guess. By clearly stating the salary range and key perks (PTO, CME allowance, mentorship, etc.), these posts build trust and filter out mismatched applicants early.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
Instead of listing generic tasks (“Provide patient care”), we describe the real-world impact:
- “Reduce patient wait times”
- “Support underserved communities”
- “Help shape care protocols”
This shows candidates how their work matters—beyond the job description.
✅ 5. Tone That Reflects the Work Environment
Both posts strike a respectful, caring, and mission-driven tone—mirroring the kind of environment these candidates are likely seeking. That alignment helps you attract professionals who are not only qualified but also values-aligned.
✅ 6. Respectful, Modern Application Process
Using WorkScreen.io shows applicants that you’re serious about fairness, speed, and evaluating people for more than just what’s on a resume. The posts make it clear that:
- Every application is reviewed
- Applicants will be kept in the loop
- The process is skills-first, not keyword-first
That’s a big differentiator in a space where many candidates are ghosted.
✅ 7. Optional Video Personalizes the Post
Including a Loom or video from the hiring manager adds trust, warmth, and a human face behind the words. It’s an easy way to elevate your post and show candidates that you care enough to be visible.
Bad Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Location: Dallas, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Job Summary
We are seeking a psychiatric nurse practitioner to join our behavioral health clinic. The ideal candidate will assess patients, prescribe medications, and work with our team to provide quality care.
Responsibilities
- Conduct psychiatric evaluations
- Prescribe and monitor medications
- Document patient records
- Collaborate with clinical staff
Qualifications
- PMHNP license
- DEA number
- 2 years of experience preferred
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to info@clinicmail.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Description Falls Short
🚫 1. The Title Is Bland and Lacks Purpose
There’s no context, no mission, no indication of who the role serves. It doesn’t help the candidate understand why this opportunity matters—or why they should care.
🚫 2. The Introduction Is Flat
“Seeking a psychiatric nurse practitioner” tells the reader what, but not why. There’s no emotion, no team culture, and no insight into what makes this workplace special.
🚫 3. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
Leaving out compensation signals a lack of transparency—and top candidates often skip posts that don’t respect their time or expectations upfront.
🚫 4. Generic, Vague Responsibilities
Tasks like “conduct psychiatric evaluations” or “document records” could describe any clinic. Nothing shows how this role is different, meaningful, or impactful.
🚫 5. No Culture or Values Mentioned
There’s no reference to how the team works, what values guide them, or what kind of person would thrive here. It feels transactional—like the company is just looking to fill a seat.
🚫 6. Cold and Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” immediately puts distance between you and the applicant. It tells candidates they’re likely to be ignored—and that their effort may go unacknowledged.
🚫 7. Zero Personality in the CTA
There’s no warmth, encouragement, or motivation to apply. Just an email address and a wall of silence.
Bottom line? This post doesn’t inspire. It doesn’t build trust. And it definitely doesn’t attract thoughtful, mission-driven psychiatric nurse practitioners—the very kind of people you want on your team.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the basics—clear title, warm intro, transparent pay—there are a few advanced touches that can elevate your job post even further. These small details build trust, signal professionalism, and show candidates you care about their experience.
Here’s how to go from good to great:
✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Scams are everywhere, especially in healthcare hiring. Including a short privacy notice helps candidates feel safer applying. Here’s a quick line you can copy:
We take your privacy seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, banking information, or personal financial details at any stage of the hiring process.
✅ 2. Mention Time Off, Flex Days, or Mental Health Days
Mental health providers are especially tuned in to burnout—and time off matters. Even a single sentence like this can make a big difference:
Enjoy 3+ weeks of paid time off plus dedicated mental health days—because caring for others starts with caring for yourself.
✅ 3. Highlight Training, Growth, or Leadership Paths
Even experienced clinicians want to grow. Call out opportunities for skill-building, specialization, or future leadership:
We offer monthly clinical consultations, CEU support, and a clear path to Clinical Lead for those interested in long-term growth.
✅ 4. Include a Loom Video from the Hiring Manager
A 60-second Loom from the Clinical Director or CEO adds a powerful human touch. It helps candidates visualize the team, hear your values, and build early trust before they apply.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ 5. Reinforce Your Culture with One Honest Line
Sometimes the most impactful thing is one real, unpolished sentence. Try something like:
We don’t expect perfection—we expect care, consistency, and collaboration. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.
These simple additions take less than 10 minutes but dramatically increase the quality of candidates you attract.
Should You Use AI to Write a Job Description?
The short answer? Yes—but only if you do it right.
AI can help speed up the job post writing process. But if you rely on it blindly—without adding your voice, values, or any real context—you’ll end up with the same generic, forgettable job descriptions you’re trying to avoid.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Typing something like:
“Write a job description for a psychiatric nurse practitioner.”
Will usually give you:
- A wall of buzzwords
- A dry, robotic tone
- No mention of your company’s mission, team, or values
- Zero emotional pull
It may save you time—but it won’t attract the right people.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Think of AI as your writing partner—not your ghostwriter. Feed it real, thoughtful inputs. Then let it help you shape and polish the content.
Here’s a sample prompt you can use:
“Help me write a job post for our company, Cedar Ridge Wellness. We’re hiring a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to serve underserved adults in Portland. Our culture is trauma-informed, collaborative, and focused on long-term patient outcomes. We want to attract someone who’s compassionate, experienced, and tired of working in burnout-heavy environments. We offer $120K–$145K/year, full benefits, 4 weeks PTO, and a clear growth path. Here are a few notes I’ve written about the role [paste notes]…”
By giving AI real context, you get better results—and a job post that feels like you wrote it, not a bot.
💡 Pro Tip
You can even paste in a great job post (like the examples above) and say:
“Make something in this tone, but tailored to my company and this role.”
Then, once you’ve got a draft, edit it like a human. Add warmth. Add purpose. Add specificity. Use AI as a tool—not a crutch.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Template?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
📌 Job Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Join a Team That Actually Cares
💼 Location: [Insert City, State] | Full-Time | [Remote / In-Person / Hybrid]
💰 Salary: $[Range]/year + full benefits
🎥 [Optional: Insert Loom Video from Hiring Manager]
About Us
We’re [Your Company Name], a purpose-driven behavioral health clinic focused on compassionate, trauma-informed care. We serve [population served] and pride ourselves on creating a space where both patients and providers feel supported.
What You’ll Do
- Provide psychiatric evaluations and med management
- Build strong therapeutic relationships with patients
- Collaborate with therapists and care coordinators
- Contribute to a culture of empathy, clarity, and impact
What We’re Looking For
- Licensed PMHNP in [State]
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Comfortable prescribing medications and using EMRs
- Values-aligned with our mission of person-centered care
Why Join Us
- 4+ weeks PTO + mental health days
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage
- Supportive team and burnout-aware scheduling
- Leadership path available (if desired)
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to run a fair and skill-based hiring process. You’ll go through a short evaluation to help us understand your strengths. We respond to every application.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: [Insert City, State or Remote]
Salary: $[Range]/year + Benefits
Start Date: [Insert Date]
Job Overview
We’re hiring a licensed PMHNP to join our behavioral health team and provide high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric care. This role involves evaluation, medication management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct diagnostic assessments and psychiatric evaluations
- Prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications
- Maintain accurate documentation in the EMR system
- Participate in weekly team meetings and case reviews
Qualifications
- Active PMHNP license in [State]
- DEA certification and NPI
- 1–3 years’ experience preferred (but not required)
- Strong communication, empathy, and clinical judgment
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and professional development support
- Optional remote work or hybrid flexibility
Application Process
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate skills fairly and efficiently. The process takes about 10–15 minutes and helps us focus on what really matters—your ability to care and connect.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once applications start rolling in, you need a way to separate serious, qualified candidates from the copy-paste crowd—and do it without wasting hours.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🧠 WorkScreen Helps You:
✅ Quickly spot your best candidates
Every applicant goes through a short, skills-based evaluation. WorkScreen automatically scores and ranks them—so you can focus on the ones most likely to succeed.
✅ Test for real-world ability, not just resumes
Need to assess clinical decision-making, communication, or attention to detail? Create a one-click skill test that shows you how each candidate actually thinks.
✅ Filter out low-effort applicants
Say goodbye to one-click apply spam. WorkScreen helps you identify who’s truly invested—and screens out the rest.
Whether you’re hiring your first psychiatric nurse practitioner or scaling a full behavioral health team, WorkScreen gives you clarity and confidence in every hiring decision.
FAQ
As of 2024, the average salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in the United States ranges between $115,000 and $145,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and setting.
- In high-cost states like California and New York, PMHNPs can earn upwards of $150,000–$160,000.
- In lower-cost areas or community clinics, salaries often start around $100,000–$110,000.
- PMHNPs in telehealth or private practice roles may earn more with productivity-based models.
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, and Nurse.org)
While both treat mental health conditions, the difference lies in training:
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD/DO) who complete medical school and residency.
- PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric mental health nursing.
PMHNPs often handle routine care, med management, and therapy referrals, while psychiatrists typically manage more complex cases or conduct specialized assessments.
Aside from credentials (PMHNP license, DEA registration), look for:
- Strong empathy and communication skills
- Comfort with medication management and documentation
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively, depending on your setup
- Alignment with your organization’s mission and patient population
- Emotional resilience, especially for high-acuity or underserved settings
