The psychiatrist provides primary medication management services, treatment planning, case review and medical leadership for therapists and case managers that may co-manage the patient. Outpatient volume is approximately 17 – 20 patients per day.
Primary responsibilities are on an outpatient basis with rotation coverage of a 14 bed adult inpatient program. This position will assist in psychiatric services at the West Plains BHC and the Mountain Grove Medical Complex.
The psychiatrist sees patients for medication check reviews and for new patients. An LPN is assigned to each psychiatrist in the outpatient clinic to manage the daily office visits and patient care. A phone nurse is available 8-5 for medication refills, patient questions, and fielding of calls for the psychiatrist. The position will have collaborative practice with 2 Advanced Practice Nurses with psychiatric certification, one with certification in child. Call is rotated Monday through Friday between the psychiatrists. Call entails coverage for the crisis outreach team, OMC ER, and call for the inpatient unit. Weekend call is Friday through Monday morning and is rotated on a monthly basis between the psychiatrists. BHC currently has 3 full time psychiatrists, the addition of this position will result in a 1:4 call rotation for weekends.
The inpatient unit is currently attended for rounds Monday-Friday by the Medical Director. Coverage of the inpatient unit will be needed during the Medical Director’s absence.
BHC operates two outpatient clinics that are Rural Health certified, National Health Service Corps sites for loan repayment, and provider for contracted services with Department of Mental Health for the State of Missouri for a 7 county area. The position is contractual with a guaranteed base salary with incentives.
West Plains is the center of trade for a 50-mile radius. The area's educational opportunities are excellent with public and private schools. Also, the West Plains campus of Missouri State University provides academic and vocational education programs which include a registered and practical nursing program plus a respiratory care school. The West Plains area has prospered as a result of its central location for trade in southern Missouri as well as growth of its educational and health services.
West Plains, listed in The 100 Best Small Towns In America, is a family oriented community located in the beautiful Ozark mountains, national forest lands, lakes and streams provide abundant outdoor recreational activities. It is approximately 200 miles from St. Louis and 100 miles from Springfield, Missouri.