Teri Burton Chukwuka
FLORISSANT,MO
Summary
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduate with inpatient behavioral health nursing experience and clinical training in inpatient psychiatry and intensive outpatient programs. Experienced in psychiatric evaluations, admission assessments, medication management, and treatment planning across the lifespan. Strong focus on patient advocacy, safety, and patient centered, evidence based psychiatric care. Seeking a PMHNP position in outpatient or hybrid psychiatry.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
PMHNP Student
Mercy Jefferson Hospital - Inpatient
09.2025 - Current
- Conducted psychiatric admission assessments and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, completing approximately 4 inpatient admissions per week.
- Managed daily follow up medication management visits for 6–8 hospitalized psychiatric patients per clinical day.
- Adjusted psychotropic medications under supervision based on patient response and side effects.
- Managed acute psychiatric conditions including psychosis, mania, severe depression, suicidality, and substance withdrawal.
- Participated in treatment team meetings and discharge planning.
- Assessed suicide risk, homicide risk, and need for inpatient level of care.
- Provided patient education on medications, diagnoses, and discharge plans.
- Collaborated with nursing staff, therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists.
PMHNP Student
Mercy Jefferson Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
07.2025 - Current
- Conducted psychiatric evaluations and follow up medication management visits.
- Diagnosed mental health disorders using DSM-5-TR criteria.
- Managed and adjusted psychotropic medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and sleep medications.
- Developed treatment plans and provided patient education on diagnoses and medications.
- Managed patients with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
- Assessed suicide risk and developed safety plans when appropriate.
- Collaborated with therapists and psychiatrists in a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Completed documentation for treatment plans, medication management visits, and IOP follow up visits.
Adult Psych Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
04.2024 - Current
- Care for 6 to 8 adult patients with acute psychiatric needs.
- Managed medication administration, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and interactions while abiding by HIPAA regulations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans for patients.
- Advocated for patients'' rights, promoting dignity and respect within the therapeutic setting.
Adolescent Psych Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
02.2018 - 04.2024
- Provided care for patients ages 12–18 with acute psychiatric and behavioral health needs.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to address disruptive or challenging behaviors exhibited by patients.
- Reduced hospital readmissions with effective discharge planning and patient education.
- Developed strong rapport with patients by displaying empathy, active listening skills, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Provided psychoeducation to patients and families, fostering understanding of mental health issues and coping strategies.
School Nurse
Parkwood Elementary
09.2017 - 02.2018
- Managed the health needs of grade school students (approximately 30 per day), including illness assessment, injury care, and medication administration.
- Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors, and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Reduced absenteeism rates by proactively addressing student health concerns and providing timely interventions.
- Streamlined documentation processes for maintaining accurate student health records, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Orthopedics & Short-Stay Surgery/Medical-Surgical
SSM St. Mary's Health Center
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Provided post-surgical care, monitored for complications, and administered pain management to up to 4 to 5 patients.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Child Psych Nurse
SSM DePaul Health Center
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Provided psychiatric care for children ages 3–12, utilizing verbal de-escalation, coping skill building, and therapeutic holds.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques when necessary to maintain safety within the unit.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills.
- Conducted thorough assessments of mental health status, identifying risk factors and developing appropriate interventions.
- Assisted in training new nursing staff members on protocols specific to psychiatric care settings.
Sub-Acute Care Nurse
Barnes Jewish Extended Care
12.2012 - 05.2013
- Provided total care for up to 14 patients per shift, including
medication administration, wound care, and discharge education. - Responded rapidly to emergency situations, providing life-saving interventions during critical moments of patient care.
- Managed complex caseloads while maintaining accurate documentation in electronic medical records systems.
- Prevented complications by vigilantly assessing patients for early signs of deterioration and initiating appropriate interventions.
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Maryville University of Saint Louis
St. Louis, MO05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Maryville University of Saint Louis
St. Louis, MO05-2012
Skills
- Suicide risk assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Self-awareness
- Effective communication
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Psychopharmacology
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Medication administration
- Safety planning
- Treatment Planning
- Time management
- Active listening
- Professionalism
- Organizational skills
- Strong clinical judgment
Affiliations
- St. Louis Nurses in Advanced Practice (StLNAP)
Timeline
PMHNP Student
Mercy Jefferson Hospital - Inpatient
09.2025 - Current
PMHNP Student
Mercy Jefferson Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
07.2025 - Current
Adult Psych Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
04.2024 - Current
Adolescent Psych Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
02.2018 - 04.2024
School Nurse
Parkwood Elementary
09.2017 - 02.2018
Orthopedics & Short-Stay Surgery/Medical-Surgical
SSM St. Mary's Health Center
06.2015 - 04.2017
Child Psych Nurse
SSM DePaul Health Center
06.2013 - 06.2015
Sub-Acute Care Nurse
Barnes Jewish Extended Care
12.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Maryville University of Saint Louis