- Healing Touch and integrative therapeutic techniques in acute care settings
- Clinical coaching and mentorship of new graduate nurses during skills development and onboarding
- Interest in trauma-informed care, holistic mental health approaches, and mind-body interventions
Lisa Wertheim
San Diego,CA
Summary
Compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in behavioral health developed through experience as a registered nurse and clinical coach in a high-acuity acute medical setting. Extensive experience caring for patients with complex psychiatric and medical comorbidities, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance use and withdrawal. Skilled in crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on trauma-informed, patient-centered care for underserved and unhoused populations. Recognized for mentoring nursing staff and promoting safe, compassionate care. MSN-prepared and committed to delivering evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Coach, Registered Nurse
Scripps Healthcare
San Diego
04.2022 - Current
- Provided clinical mentorship and real-time guidance to nursing staff, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care quality
- Trained and onboarded new nurses through hands-on instruction, skills validation, and ongoing competency development
- Promoted safe medication practices through oversight, education, and error-prevention strategies
- Fostered a supportive learning environment that improved staff confidence, engagement, and retention
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive, patient-centered care planning
- Coached staff in managing challenging patient behaviors using de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication
- Supported nurses in delivering compassionate care to patients and families during high-stress and emotionally complex situations
Registered Nurse, Acute Medical & Oncology Unit
Scripps Healthcare
San Diego, CA
04.2020 - Current
- Cared for medically complex patients with co-occurring psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders
- Performed mental status, suicide risk, and safety assessments; initiated appropriate interventions and escalated care as needed
- Managed acute behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention strategies
- Monitored and managed patients experiencing agitation, delirium, and substance withdrawal syndromes
- Collaborated with psychiatry, social work, and case management to coordinate comprehensive treatment and safe discharge planning
- Educated patients on medications, side effects, and treatment plans using clear, patient-centered communication
- Supported care for underserved and unhoused populations with complex psychosocial needs
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and prioritized care for high-acuity patients in a fast-paced acute medical setting
Licensed Acupuncturist
Inner Root Acupuncture
San Diego, CA
06.2012 - 12.2017
- Provided acupuncture treatment for diverse and medically complex populations, including patients with oncology diagnoses, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders
- Treated patients experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and withdrawal symptoms, integrating trauma-informed and patient-centered care approaches
- Delivered care to underserved and unhoused populations with significant psychosocial and access-to-care barriers
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments, incorporating both physical and mental health needs
- Educated patients on holistic pain management, stress reduction, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle modifications to support overall well-being
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary providers to support integrative care for patients with chronic illness and behavioral health needs
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
National University
Rancho Bernardo, CA12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CA12-2019
Master of Science - Traditional Oriental Medicine
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
CA12-2011
Skills
- Professional Demeanor, Reliability & Strong Communication
- Ethical & Patient-Centered Practice
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical Mentorship & Staff Education
- Psychiatric & Mental Health Assessment
- Suicide Risk & Safety Assessment
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Substance Use & Withdrawal Management
- Psychopharmacology & Medication Management
- Therapeutic Communication & Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Care of Underserved & High-Risk Populations
Certification
- Licenses: ANCC PMHNP-BC, BSN-RN, L,Ac.
Interests
Timeline
Clinical Coach, Registered Nurse
Scripps Healthcare
04.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Acute Medical & Oncology Unit
Scripps Healthcare
04.2020 - Current
Licensed Acupuncturist
Inner Root Acupuncture
06.2012 - 12.2017
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
National University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State University, San Marcos
Master of Science - Traditional Oriental Medicine
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine