PMHNP Precept Training Program

PLEASE NOTE: Our PMHNP Precept Training Program is currently on hold and we are not accepting applications.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Precept Training Program at Portland Mental Health & Wellness (PMHW) stands as a prestigious and immersive training opportunity for future PMHNPs. This comprehensive program is designed to equip students with the advanced clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in the evolving field of psychiatric care.

Our training emphasizes excellence in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including complex and co-occurring disorders. At PMHW, we serve a diverse population spanning all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultural identities. This diversity enriches the training experience, offering students the opportunity to refine their skills in delivering culturally responsive, patient-centered care.

Central to our training philosophy is the belief in holistic, integrative care, aligned with our organization’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and compassion. The PMHW culture thrives on a collaborative spirit, where the well-being of our patients and the professional growth of our staff are equally prioritized. Our clinical teams are dedicated to creating a supportive and growth-oriented learning environment, where future PMHNPs can flourish under the guidance of seasoned preceptors.

Supervised clinical experience is a cornerstone of this program. Our experienced PMHNP preceptors, who are leaders in the field of mental health, offer individualized mentorship, ensuring that trainees receive both the support and the challenges needed to grow into confident, competent practitioners. These preceptors are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of psychiatric nurse practitioners, fostering both clinical expertise and ethical leadership.

PMHW is proud to offer this training in an outpatient setting known for its inclusive and progressive approach to mental health care. We cater to the nuanced needs of various communities, including those historically marginalized in healthcare, thereby contributing to closing the gaps in mental health access.

To be considered for our PMHNP Precept Program, we invite you to complete the application below.

PMHNP Precept Training Program Overview

Our Precept Training Program is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience for PMHNP students, ensuring a seamless transition from observation to independent clinical practice under the guidance of experienced preceptors. The program is divided into three phases, each designed to build clinical skills, enhance confidence, and promote independent decision-making in psychiatric medication management.

Phase 1: Foundational Learning (Approximately 250 Hours)

During this phase, students work directly under the supervision of their clinical preceptor, focusing on foundational skills in psychiatric medication management. This phase allows students to build a solid knowledge base and gain initial hands-on experience with patients in a supportive learning environment.

  • Observation and Participation: Students will observe their preceptor during psychiatric medication management appointments, learning how to conduct effective patient interactions and care. As the phase progresses, students will begin to actively participate in patient care, initially focusing on patient education, covering disease states and medication mechanisms of action.
  • Core Responsibilities:
    • Conduct history and physical (H&P) assessments.
    • Assist with diagnostics and participate in formulating a preliminary care plan.
    • Gain exposure to the basics of medication management, under the close supervision and feedback of the preceptor.
  • Documentation Practice: Students will also practice clinical documentation, becoming familiar with the necessary legal and clinical standards for maintaining accurate and detailed patient records.

Phase 2: Enhanced Participation (Approximately 250 Hours)

In Phase 2, students transition from observation to active participation, taking on more responsibility in the care of their patients. The goal of this phase is to enhance clinical reasoning and confidence in decision-making.

  • Patient Care: Students will complete full patient assessments, including diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning, and medication management, with minimal to moderate verbal coaching from the preceptor.
  • Core Responsibilities:
    • Lead the development of comprehensive treatment plans.
    • Conduct medication adjustments and management with real-time feedback from the preceptor.
  • Clinical Documentation: Students will complete detailed clinical documentation, refining their ability to provide accurate and concise records that reflect the patient’s ongoing care and treatment adjustments.

Phase 3: Independent Practice with Preceptor Oversight (Approximately 250 Hours)

In the final phase, students are expected to manage their patient caseloads independently, applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program.

  • Autonomous Patient Management: Students will be responsible for the full cycle of patient care, from assessment and diagnosis to treatment planning and medication management. They will operate independently, with the preceptor providing validation and occasional feedback as necessary.
  • Core Responsibilities:
    • Manage patient appointments autonomously, demonstrating advanced clinical decision-making skills.
    • Ensure comprehensive follow-up care and medication adjustments as required.
  • Refining Clinical Documentation: Throughout this phase, students will continue to complete clinical documentation, adhering to best practices in patient record-keeping and ensuring compliance with clinical and regulatory standards.

Our structured approach ensures that students are well-prepared to deliver high-quality psychiatric care as independent practitioners. Each phase builds upon the previous one, providing the necessary skills and confidence for a successful career in psychiatric mental health care.