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Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

SOC 29-1141.02Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full scope of advanced practice psychiatric nursing from supervised entry-level clinical practice through executive clinical leadership across inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, integrated primary care, and health system environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Psychiatric patient assessments — conduct structured mental and physical status examinations under direct clinical supervision in inpatient or outpatient behavioral health settings.
  2. Presenting symptoms and complaints — recognize and document patterns using standardized intake protocols within a supervised psychiatric practice environment.
  3. Psychiatric histories and physical assessment results — gather and record in electronic health records under attending APRN or physician oversight.
  4. DSM diagnostic criteria — apply foundational knowledge to formulate preliminary differential diagnoses for common psychiatric disorders under supervisory review.
  5. Psychotropic medication classes and mechanisms — identify and describe appropriately within collaborative practice agreement boundaries during supervised clinical rotations.
  6. Patient education materials on mental health conditions — deliver using prepared resources to patients and family members under guidance from a supervising clinician.
  7. Behavioral observation data — collect and report systematically to support the supervising provider's treatment formulation in structured clinical environments.
  8. Physiological versus psychological symptom presentations — distinguish at a basic level by applying learned screening frameworks during supervised patient encounters.
  9. Electronic medical software platforms — navigate to enter progress notes, assessment findings, and preliminary orders under direct preceptor instruction.
  10. Time management and clinical scheduling protocols — follow to prioritize patient caseloads within a supervised advanced practice psychiatric training program.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Comprehensive mental and physical status assessments — perform independently and document accurately for a diverse psychiatric caseload in community mental health or outpatient clinic settings.
  2. DSM-5 and ICD psychiatric diagnoses — formulate with reduced oversight by integrating biopsychosocial data gathered during patient interviews and collateral contacts.
  3. Medical and psychological histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans — maintain in electronic health records in compliance with regulatory and institutional documentation standards.
  4. Patients and family members — educate routinely on psychiatric conditions, medication side effects, and wellness strategies using evidence-based health literacy approaches.
  5. Psychotropic medication prescriptions — write and manage within state scope-of-practice regulations and collaborative practice agreements for stable to moderately complex patients.
  6. Medication response, adherence, and adverse effects — monitor across a panel of psychiatric patients using structured follow-up protocols and pharmacokinetic knowledge.
  7. Patient behavioral patterns across encounters — evaluate to refine diagnoses and adjust treatment plans using structured clinical reasoning in an outpatient behavioral health setting.
  8. Co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions — differentiate by integrating laboratory findings, medical records, and clinical presentation data with growing clinical confidence.
  9. Analytical and database software tools — use to track patient outcomes, retrieve clinical decision-support resources, and maintain accurate medication logs.
  10. Interdisciplinary care team members — coordinate with routinely to align psychiatric treatment plans with primary care, social work, and pharmacy services.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex and ambiguous psychiatric presentations — assess autonomously across the full diagnostic spectrum, integrating neurobiological, psychological, and social determinants in acute and community care environments.
  2. Psychiatric diagnoses for treatment-resistant and comorbid conditions — formulate independently, applying advanced clinical reasoning to distinguish overlapping mood, psychotic, personality, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  3. Comprehensive clinical documentation including treatment outcomes and prescriptive decisions — produce to medico-legal standards within electronic health systems, supporting continuity of care across multidisciplinary teams.
  4. Individualized psychoeducation for patients with chronic psychiatric illness — design and deliver to patients and families, adapting communication style to cultural context and health literacy level.
  5. Complex psychotropic medication regimens — prescribe, titrate, and manage autonomously for high-acuity patients, applying pharmacogenomic and drug-interaction knowledge within full scope-of-practice authority.
  6. Medication efficacy, tolerability, and patient safety signals — monitor proactively across a large panel by analyzing clinical data trends and collaborating with pharmacy and primary care providers.
  7. Non-routine behavioral presentations including first-episode psychosis, acute suicidality, and dual-diagnosis cases — evaluate and formulate using advanced assessment instruments and evidence-based frameworks.
  8. Differential diagnosis between neurological, endocrine, and primary psychiatric etiologies — perform skillfully by integrating physical examination, laboratory, and imaging data in integrated behavioral health settings.
  9. Critical clinical decisions under time pressure and uncertainty — execute using structured judgment frameworks, balancing patient autonomy, risk stratification, and ethical obligations in crisis settings.
  10. Learning strategies and active inquiry — apply continuously to integrate emerging psychiatric evidence into clinical practice, adapting treatment protocols based on published research and clinical guidelines.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational psychiatric care models and clinical protocols — design and implement at system scale, aligning advanced practice nursing scope with institutional, regulatory, and population health priorities.
  2. Diagnostic standards and best-practice assessment frameworks — establish across a psychiatric service line, ensuring fidelity to evidence-based tools and equitable care delivery for diverse patient populations.
  3. Clinical documentation and quality-assurance systems — lead development and continuous improvement of, ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, and outcome measurement across a large behavioral health organization.
  4. Staff education programs on mental health conditions, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic communication — develop and oversee for APRN and nursing teams to elevate competency standards across the practice.
  5. Prescriptive authority policies and collaborative practice agreements — shape at organizational and legislative levels, advocating for full-practice authority expansion and safe prescribing standards in psychiatric care.
  6. Psychotropic medication safety and outcomes data — analyze at population level to guide formulary decisions, reduce adverse events, and inform institutional prescribing guidelines across multiple care sites.
  7. Advanced clinical supervisors and emerging APRNs — mentor and evaluate in complex behavioral assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning to build the next generation of psychiatric practitioners.
  8. Physiological and psychiatric comorbidity management protocols — author and champion across integrated health systems, bridging gaps between primary care, neurology, and behavioral health specialty services.
  9. Strategic clinical decision-making frameworks — model and teach to clinical leadership teams, embedding evidence-based psychiatric judgment processes into quality improvement and accreditation initiatives.
  10. Interdisciplinary and community partnerships — cultivate at executive level to expand behavioral health access, reduce disparities, and position the organization as a regional leader in advanced psychiatric care delivery.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted documentation drafting — uses an AI tool to generate initial drafts of patient history summaries and progress notes from structured inputs, then reviews and corrects clinical language before signing Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Psychoeducation content retrieval — queries an AI assistant for plain-language explanations of psychiatric diagnoses and medication side effects to support patient and family education sessions.
Developing
  1. Differential diagnosis support — runs presenting symptoms through an AI clinical reasoning tool to surface candidate psychiatric diagnoses, then applies independent clinical judgment to accept, modify, or reject each suggestion before finalizing the assessment Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Treatment plan scaffolding — directs an AI assistant to outline evidence-based pharmacological and psychotherapeutic options for a given diagnosis, then integrates patient-specific factors, comorbidities, and state prescribing regulations into the final plan Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Prescription documentation — uses AI-assisted templates to pre-populate psychotropic medication orders including dosing, monitoring parameters, and collaborative practice agreement language, verifying every field against clinical findings before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Longitudinal record synthesis — instructs an AI tool to extract and summarize patterns across multiple clinical encounters, lab values, and prior treatment responses, then uses that synthesis to inform adjustments to long-term psychiatric care plans Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Risk stratification flagging — integrates AI-generated alerts for suicide risk indicators or medication interaction warnings into the clinical workflow, applying active listening and social perceptiveness during the encounter to confirm or override automated flags Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Structured assessment documentation — delegates the formatting of standardized psychiatric assessment instruments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, MMSE) into the EHR narrative to an AI tool, retaining authorship of the interpretive clinical summary Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Patient communication drafting — uses an AI assistant to produce first drafts of after-visit summaries and psychoeducation handouts, then edits for therapeutic language, cultural sensitivity, and accuracy before distribution Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Clinical AI governance — evaluates AI tool outputs across the practice setting for diagnostic bias, documentation accuracy, and alignment with current psychiatric evidence, establishing team-level standards for when AI suggestions require mandatory clinician override Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Collaborative care coordination at scale — orchestrates AI-assisted population health queries to identify high-risk psychiatric patients within a panel, prioritizes outreach sequences, and supervises junior practitioners in interpreting AI-generated reports within ethical and regulatory boundaries Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI workflow design — architects the integration of AI-assisted documentation and decision-support tools into the psychiatric practice workflow, balancing the 74.7% collaborative augmentation potential against therapeutic relationship demands that require unmediated human presence Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 747
Augment share: 74.7%
Time saved: 83.8%
AI autonomy: 2.99
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication13 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient intake communication — elicits presenting symptoms and basic psychiatric history through structured interview while maintaining a calm, non-judgmental tone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Psychoeducation delivery — explains basic mental health conditions and medication purposes to patients using accessible, jargon-free language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Clinical documentation — records patient complaints and observable behaviors in written progress notes with foundational accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Diagnostic disclosure communication — conveys psychiatric diagnoses to patients and families using clear, empathetic language that invites questions and reduces stigma Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment plan communication — articulates rationale for psychotropic medication choices and therapeutic interventions to patients with varying health literacy levels O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary reporting — summarizes patient mental status findings and treatment progress in verbal handoffs and written consults to collaborating physicians and therapists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crisis communication — de-escalates acutely agitated or suicidal patients through structured verbal techniques, pacing language to the patient's emotional state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Medication monitoring communication — conducts structured follow-up conversations to assess psychotropic efficacy and side effects, integrating patient self-report with clinical observation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Family psychoeducation — facilitates multi-party conversations with patients and caregivers about psychiatric disorders, medication risks, and relapse warning signs in a balanced, supportive format Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Legal and ethical documentation — produces comprehensive, legally defensible clinical records including psychiatric histories, diagnostic reasoning, and prescriptive decisions within regulatory standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consultation leadership communication — authors complex psychiatric consultation reports that synthesize biopsychosocial data for multidisciplinary teams, guiding coordinated care decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Health communication innovation — designs psychoeducational materials and patient communication protocols for clinic-wide or system-level adoption, improving patient comprehension outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Advocacy communication — presents psychiatric population needs to institutional leadership or policy bodies using evidence-based arguments that influence resource allocation and care standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Clinical accountability — assumes ownership of assigned patient caseload under supervision, following through on assessment tasks and treatment initiation without requiring repeated redirection Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer contribution — shares relevant psychiatric literature or clinical observations in team huddles, contributing to shared learning within supervised practice settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Care coordination leadership — takes initiative in organizing cross-disciplinary care plans for complex psychiatric patients, ensuring follow-through across medical, social, and behavioral health domains Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student and trainee mentorship — guides nursing students or psychiatric residents through psychiatric assessment procedures, modeling professional reasoning and ethical decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Collaborative practice leadership — leads collaborative practice agreement negotiations with supervising physicians, defining scope of practice parameters that optimize patient access and safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment team direction — chairs interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings for high-acuity psychiatric patients, synthesizing diverse clinical input into unified, actionable care plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis response leadership — assumes clinical lead role during psychiatric emergencies, directing triage, containment, and safety planning while coordinating staff actions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Practice development leadership — establishes evidence-based psychiatric care protocols or specialty clinics within health systems, driving measurable improvements in patient outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Workforce mentorship — mentors early-career advanced practice nurses through complex diagnostic and prescriptive decision-making, building professional competence across the team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic advocacy leadership — leads institutional or legislative initiatives that expand psychiatric APRN scope of practice, improving community access to mental health care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Diagnostic self-monitoring — identifies gaps in own psychiatric assessment skills and actively seeks supervisory feedback to calibrate clinical reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy awareness — selects targeted study resources in psychopharmacology and diagnostic criteria to address self-identified knowledge deficits during supervised practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Clinical reasoning reflection — reviews own diagnostic conclusions against patient outcomes, identifying patterns of premature closure or anchoring bias in psychiatric evaluations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prescriptive decision auditing — evaluates own psychotropic prescribing patterns against current evidence, adjusting practice based on outcome data and peer review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Countertransference recognition — monitors own emotional responses to challenging patient presentations and adjusts clinical approach to maintain objectivity and therapeutic effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Complexity calibration — accurately gauges the limits of own diagnostic certainty in ambiguous psychiatric presentations, initiating consultation before clinical errors occur Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Continuing competence planning — constructs a structured professional development plan aligned to identified clinical gaps in subspecialty psychiatric knowledge or emerging treatment modalities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — teaches clinical self-monitoring strategies to supervisees by making own diagnostic thinking visible through explicit case debriefs and reflective supervision sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice pattern analysis — conducts systematic review of own prescribing and diagnostic outcomes across a patient panel, translating findings into measurable practice improvements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Differential diagnosis construction — generates an initial list of psychiatric and medical differential diagnoses based on presenting symptom clusters and patient history data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence appraisal — identifies peer-reviewed guidelines and clinical studies relevant to a patient's psychiatric condition, applying findings to inform initial treatment considerations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Physiological-psychological differentiation — systematically analyzes presenting symptoms to distinguish physiologically-based disorders from psychiatric conditions, ordering appropriate medical workup O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Medication risk-benefit analysis — evaluates psychotropic medication options against patient-specific risk factors, comorbidities, and contraindications before prescribing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Behavioral pattern evaluation — detects inconsistencies or patterns across patient-reported history, observed behavior, and collateral information to refine psychiatric diagnosis O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex comorbidity reasoning — integrates psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial data to formulate diagnostic conclusions in patients with multiple co-occurring conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment non-response analysis — systematically investigates biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to inadequate treatment response, revising clinical formulations accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Risk stratification judgment — applies structured risk assessment frameworks to evaluate imminent danger to self or others, producing defensible safety determinations under clinical uncertainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Diagnostic system critique — identifies limitations of DSM classification in specific patient presentations and integrates dimensional, cultural, and neurobiological frameworks to produce more clinically valid formulations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence synthesis leadership — critically appraises emerging psychopharmacological research at the system level, recommending formulary updates or protocol revisions based on rigorous evidence evaluation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Institutional quality reasoning — analyzes aggregate diagnostic and prescribing data across a clinical practice to identify systemic reasoning errors, driving quality improvement initiatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Interdisciplinary participation — contributes psychiatric nursing perspective in multidisciplinary team meetings, actively listening to and integrating input from psychology, social work, and medical colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Referral coordination — communicates patient needs clearly when initiating referrals to psychiatrists, primary care providers, or community mental health services Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Collaborative practice agreement navigation — works constructively with supervising physicians to clarify scope boundaries and resolve clinical disagreements in shared psychiatric cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Co-treatment coordination — partners with therapists and case managers to align medication management with psychotherapeutic goals, maintaining consistent communication across providers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrated care collaboration — functions as the psychiatric expert within primary care or behavioral health integration settings, bridging mental health and medical team functions to produce unified patient care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis team collaboration — coordinates in real time with emergency department staff, social workers, and law enforcement during psychiatric emergencies, maintaining role clarity under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Family systems collaboration — engages patients' support networks as active partners in treatment, negotiating shared goals while protecting patient autonomy and confidentiality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-system collaboration architecture — designs and implements collaborative care models that formally integrate psychiatric APRN services with primary care, substance use, and social service systems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Community partnership leadership — builds sustained partnerships with community organizations, peer support networks, and public health agencies to extend psychiatric care reach into underserved populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Prescriptive ethics adherence — follows state regulations and collaborative practice agreements governing psychotropic prescribing, flagging uncertainties to supervisors before acting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient confidentiality practice — maintains strict HIPAA compliance in documentation, communication, and information sharing within supervised psychiatric practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Dual diagnosis non-stigma practice — engages patients with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders with consistent dignity and professional respect, resisting stigmatizing language in documentation and discussion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical boundary maintenance — recognizes and manages therapeutic boundary risks in long-term psychiatric relationships, consulting supervisors when ethical complexity arises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Mandatory reporting accountability — executes mandatory reporting obligations for child abuse, elder abuse, and duty-to-warn situations with legal and ethical precision, documenting rationale transparently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cultural humility in practice — acknowledges the influence of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors on psychiatric presentation and treatment, adjusting diagnostic reasoning and communication accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Informed consent integrity — ensures patients receive complete, comprehensible disclosure of diagnosis, treatment options, medication risks, and alternatives before prescribing or initiating interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership in psychiatry — models and enforces professional ethics standards within clinical teams, addressing boundary violations, documentation fraud, or discriminatory practice directly and constructively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic equity advocacy — identifies and challenges institutional policies that produce inequitable access to psychiatric care, proposing evidence-informed, ethically grounded alternatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Individualized treatment tailoring — adapts standard psychopharmacological protocols to individual patient circumstances by creatively integrating patient preferences, cultural context, and clinical data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Psychoeducation customization — develops patient-specific educational materials or analogies that make psychiatric concepts accessible to individuals with limited health literacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Treatment-resistant case problem-solving — generates novel medication augmentation or combination strategies for patients who have not responded to standard first-line psychiatric treatments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Therapeutic alliance building — employs creative engagement strategies to build rapport with highly avoidant, paranoid, or treatment-resistant patients who do not respond to conventional approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Care model innovation — designs new service delivery approaches within a practice setting, such as integrated telehealth psychiatric care or group-based psychoeducation programs, to address unmet patient needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-diagnostic formulation creativity — constructs biopsychosocial case formulations that integrate non-obvious connections across psychiatric, medical, and social data to explain atypical presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program design innovation — conceptualizes and implements novel psychiatric care programs or clinical pathways that address population-level gaps, gaining institutional or grant funding support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical knowledge translation — translates emerging neuroscience or psychopharmacology research into creative, clinically applicable protocols that advance practice beyond current standard of care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Supervisory feedback integration — receives critical feedback on diagnostic reasoning and prescriptive decisions without defensiveness, implementing suggested adjustments in subsequent clinical encounters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing education engagement — pursues required continuing education in psychopharmacology and psychiatric nursing as a foundation for evolving clinical competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Diagnostic uncertainty tolerance — persists through ambiguous psychiatric presentations without premature closure, continuing systematic data gathering when initial diagnoses are unsupported Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scope expansion effort — proactively acquires new clinical competencies in areas such as perinatal psychiatry, geriatric psychopharmacology, or addiction medicine to broaden patient service capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Treatment failure learning — analyzes cases where psychiatric interventions produced poor outcomes, extracting specific lessons that improve future diagnostic and prescribing decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory change adaptation — updates clinical practice promptly when state prescribing regulations, formulary policies, or evidence-based guidelines change, viewing adaptation as professional growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer critique utilization — actively solicits peer review of complex cases, treating collegial challenge as a resource for refining clinical reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture cultivation — creates team norms that celebrate clinical learning from adverse events and diagnostic errors, building a psychologically safe environment for continuous improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advanced practice expansion modeling — pursues fellowship training, subspecialty certification, or research engagement to advance the professional frontier of psychiatric APRN practice, sharing learning with colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentive clinical presence — maintains focused attention during psychiatric intake interviews, resisting distraction to capture subtle behavioral and affective cues that inform diagnosis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness in practice — notices own emotional reactions during distressing patient disclosures and applies basic self-regulation strategies to maintain clinical composure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Suicidality interview presence — sustains calm, non-reactive attentiveness during high-stakes risk assessment conversations, allowing patients to disclose at their own pace without clinician-driven pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Documentation intentionality — approaches clinical record-keeping with deliberate attention to accuracy and completeness, resisting the tendency to default to templated language that obscures clinical nuance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Trauma-informed mindful engagement — maintains grounded, regulated presence when working with highly traumatized patients, using pacing and attunement to create safety without becoming overwhelmed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-volume caseload attention management — sustains clinical attentiveness and diagnostic rigor across a full psychiatric patient panel, preventing cognitive fatigue from degrading care quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Prescribing intentionality — approaches each psychotropic prescribing decision with deliberate, patient-specific reasoning rather than habitual or expedient pattern-matching Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful supervision modeling — teaches mindfulness-based self-regulation and attentional practices to supervisees, demonstrating how present-moment awareness reduces clinical error and burnout in psychiatric practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Compassion fatigue self-stewardship — implements sustained personal mindfulness practices that preserve empathic capacity and professional longevity across a demanding psychiatric career Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Clinical discomfort tolerance — engages with difficult psychiatric content including psychosis, self-harm, and trauma disclosures without avoidance, maintaining consistent assessment quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Supervised uncertainty navigation — continues to function effectively in clinical situations with ambiguous diagnostic pictures, seeking guidance rather than withdrawing from complexity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Chronic risk burden management — sustains professional functioning despite the persistent emotional weight of managing multiple high-risk patients with suicidal ideation or violent behavior simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory adversity response — adapts practice constructively when prescribing restrictions or collaborative agreement limitations constrain preferred clinical approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Involuntary hospitalization courage — initiates psychiatric holds and involuntary commitment procedures when clinically indicated, withstanding patient distress, family opposition, or ethical discomfort to prioritize safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment-resistant patient persistence — maintains therapeutic engagement and systematic clinical problem-solving for patients who have failed multiple treatment trials, resisting therapeutic nihilism Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic barrier navigation — persists in securing appropriate psychiatric resources for underserved or uninsured patients through creative advocacy and institutional negotiation despite repeated obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership fortitude — directs psychiatric emergency responses under conditions of extreme uncertainty and institutional pressure, making high-stakes safety decisions with calm decisiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional resilience modeling — demonstrates and teaches sustainable clinical resilience practices to junior psychiatric APRNs, normalizing help-seeking and proactive burnout prevention as professional strengths Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic injustice confrontation — maintains sustained professional advocacy against policies that harm psychiatric patient populations, persisting through institutional resistance and political opposition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) · Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) · Advanced Practice Provider (APP) · Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse · APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) · Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS) · Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP) · Mental Health Nurse · Mental Health Physician · Mental Health Provider · PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) · PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingLearning StrategiesCoordinationInstructingService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationSystems AnalysisSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
PsychologyTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryBiologySociology and AnthropologyEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and GovernmentChemistryMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsPublic Safety and SecurityCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Abilities
Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityInformation Ordering
Work styles
Attention to DetailEmpathyDependabilityIntegrityStress ToleranceSelf-Control
Technology
Medical softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Assess patients' mental and physical status, based on the presenting symptoms and complaints.
  2. Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
  3. Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes.
  4. Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
  5. Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements.
  6. Monitor patients' medication usage and results.
  7. Evaluate patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses or assess treatments.
  8. Distinguish between physiologically- and psychologically-based disorders, and diagnose appropriately.
CIP education codes
51.380151.380251.380351.380551.380651.380851.380951.381051.381151.381251.381351.381451.381551.381651.381851.381951.382051.382151.382251.382451.3899

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.