Psychiatric Assistant - Full time - Night shift

Meritus Health External•Hagerstown, MD

10d

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 helps meet the personal, safety, and psychosocial needs of behavioral health patients while maintaining a secure, therapeutic environment. The Psychiatric Assistant contributes to patient observation and documentation, admissions and discharges, environmental safety, and daily unit operations. The position is full-time on the night shift, with weekends and holidays required. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Candidates must be physically able to safely assist patients and perform routine patient care activities in a behavioral health setting. The employer describes a collaborative healthcare environment and offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee well-being and professional growth.

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 people 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 respond promptly 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 accurately in the electronic medical record.
Monitor patients requiring constant observation and complete required documentation according to established policies.
Support patient safety by securing personal belongings and following unit safety procedures.
Assist with meal distribution, menu completion, and safety monitoring during mealtimes.
Support unit operations with clerical tasks, telephone and paging system use, 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 date of hire.
Dental insurance available starting the first of the month following date of hire.
Vision insurance available starting the first of the month following date of hire.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off accruing from day one.
401(k) plan.
Education assistance program.
Employee assistance program.
Employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential.