Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Department Overview
Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Department of Psychiatry, in partnership with other major Oregon health systems, is a 100+ bed psychiatric hospital and 75-bed psychiatric emergency service in Portland, Oregon. We use a non-coercive, highly community oriented treatment program, which will prevent hospitalization when possible, and return patients to community services as soon as feasible. The hospital is a major training site for the department’s residency training program, medical students, and other health profession’s trainees.
Function/Duties of Position
The Department of Psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has an outstanding opportunity for a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in the State of Oregon to work at the State’s premier Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Service at Unity Center for Behavioral Health. This position will be an employee of OHSU and credentialed at both OHSU and Legacy Health Systems, and will be embedded with an advanced team of dedicated, skilled OHSU and Legacy staff promoting outstanding behavioral health care.
OHSU’s Department of Psychiatry, in partnership with other major Oregon health systems, supports Unity Center for Behavioral Health by supplying staff to its 100+ bed psychiatric hospital and 75-bed psychiatric emergency service in Portland, Oregon. We use a non-coercive, trauma-informed highly community-oriented treatment program and approach, which aims to prevent hospitalization when possible, and return patients to community services as soon as feasible. The hospital is a major training site for the State’s behavioral health workforce, including trainees for two psychiatric residency training programs, and the state’s two medical schools. In addition, Unity Center trains physician’s assistants, nurses, social workers, peer supports and other health profession’s trainees. This is a unique opportunity for a creative, energetic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to treat, teach and advance their academic interests.
The duties of this position include:
- The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Unity Center for Behavioral Health provides behavioral health care to adult patients in the Adult Inpatient units.
- Participate in teaching of nurse practitioner students and occasionally medical students.
Academic rank begins at the level of Instructor and may be higher depending upon credentials. The position offers very competitive pay and benefits.
Required Qualifications
- All applicants must be licensed or able to obtain a license as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Oregon.
Additional Details
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All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's mental health sector is growing steadily, with significant demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners due to increased focus on community-based behavioral health. Compared to larger metro areas like NYC or Boston, competition is moderate, offering good opportunities for those licensed in Oregon.
Yes, to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Portland, obtaining Oregon's state licensure as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is mandatory. This ensures compliance with local regulations and eligibility to work in facilities like Oregon Health & Science University.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can expand into academia, research, or administrative leadership. Many pursue teaching opportunities, contribute to behavioral health policy, or specialize further in trauma-informed care, enhancing both personal growth and community impact.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Portland usually earn between $110,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials. Positions at renowned institutions like Oregon Health & Science University often offer competitive pay coupled with extensive benefits.
At OHSU, psychiatric nurse practitioners engage in a trauma-informed, community-centered approach within a major training hospital. This setting emphasizes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and integrates teaching responsibilities alongside patient care.
OHSU provides access to cutting-edge behavioral health training programs, involvement in academic teaching, and collaboration with diverse health professionals. The environment supports advancement in clinical expertise and academic scholarship in psychiatry.
Daily tasks include assessing adult patients, managing medication, collaborating with psychiatrists, and delivering trauma-informed care. Practitioners also contribute to treatment planning and sometimes mentor nursing or medical students within inpatient units.
Facilities such as Unity Center prioritize non-coercive, trauma-informed care that aims to reduce hospitalization duration by emphasizing patient reintegration into community services. This holistic approach supports long-term mental wellness and recovery.
OHSU attracts highly qualified candidates, making the hiring process selective. Applicants with Oregon licensure, academic interests, and experience in trauma-informed psychiatric care tend to have an advantage in securing roles within their behavioral health teams.
Ideal candidates hold an active Oregon psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner license, demonstrate experience in inpatient psychiatric care, and possess a passion for teaching and advancing academic interests within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.