Psychiatric Assistant - Full time - Night shift

Meritus Health•Hagerstown, MD

11d•$20 - $26

About The Position

The Psychiatric Assistant provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The role assists with the personal, safety, and psychosocial needs of behavioral health patients while helping maintain a secure, therapeutic environment. The Psychiatric Assistant contributes to patient observation, documentation, admissions and discharges, environmental safety, and daily unit operations. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, including the physical ability to safely assist patients and perform routine patient care activities in a behavioral health setting. This is a full-time night-shift role, with weekends and holidays required. The employer describes a collaborative healthcare environment and a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee well-being and professional growth. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to safe, compassionate, patient-centered care.

Requirements

Completion of an approved nursing assistant program.
Current Maryland Nursing Assistant certification.
Current BLS (CPR) certification in accordance with organizational policy.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interact professionally and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Excellent observation and documentation skills.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Physical ability to safely assist patients and perform routine patient care activities, including frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate care and support, addressing patients’ personal comfort and daily needs.
Conduct regular patient rounds and promptly respond to patient requests and concerns.
Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, including obtaining vital signs and completing required documentation.
Document patient care, vital signs, intake and output, patient education, and observations in the electronic medical record.
Monitor patients requiring constant observation and complete required documentation in accordance with established policies.
Help maintain patient safety by securing personal belongings and supporting unit safety procedures.
Assist with meal distribution, menu completion, and safety monitoring during mealtimes.
Support unit operations through clerical tasks, use of telephone and paging systems, supply management, work order entry, and laboratory order processing.
Conduct routine environmental safety rounds and ensure compliance with behavioral health safety standards and infection prevention practices.
Collaborate with nurses, physicians, patients, families, and other healthcare team members.

Benefits

Health insurance available starting the first of the month following the date of hire.
Dental insurance available starting the first of the month following the date of hire.
Vision insurance available starting the first of the month following the date of hire.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid Time Off accruing from day one.
401k plan.
Education assistance program.
Employee assistance program.
Eligible evening, night, or weekend shift employees may receive a shift differential.