Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Neuropsychiatric Unit (2JPW) - 90% Nights

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks that assist the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The role is on Adult Psychiatry Unit 2JPW, a 22-bed unit caring for patients with general psychiatric conditions, particularly thought disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychoses. The unit also provides specialized services for patients with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental illness with challenging behaviors. The position requires establishing therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team; supporting patient care appropriate to each patient’s condition and age; documenting behavior and reporting relevant observations to registered nurses; and maintaining patient safety and security. Duties also include assisting with personal care, taking vital signs, cleaning and stocking the unit, preparing rooms for admissions, transporting patients and supplies, performing basic CPR as required, and maintaining patient confidentiality. This is a 90% position scheduled for 36 hours per week on the night shift, between 1900 and 0730, with every-other-weekend and holiday coverage. The position is located at John Pappajohn Pavilion in Iowa City, Iowa.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Ability to work amid conflicting demands or priorities and rushed or urgent timelines.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and respond quickly to emergencies.
Ability to maintain attention to detail over extended periods and stay aware of changing situations.
Strong communication skills and tolerance for an active work environment with potential for negative behavior.
Ability to work well with people at all levels and of all types.

Nice To Haves

Experience defusing volatile situations.
Certified Nursing Assistant qualification.
Strong written communication skills and experience providing customer service relations.
Previous patient care experience in a mental health setting is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Establish therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
Participate in planning patient care appropriate to the patient’s condition and age.
Document patient behavior factually and legibly, and identify information to report to the registered nurse.
Maintain patient safety and security by providing physical care and assistance and following standard precautions.
Supervise patients during activities.
Identify potential crisis situations, report them to the registered nurse, and intervene.
Provide personal hygiene and activities-of-daily-living care, including bathing, toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and oral care.
Take patients’ temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
Clean equipment, patient bedside areas, and the nursing unit.
Set up rooms for patient admissions.
Transport patients by bed, cart, or wheelchair.
Transport equipment, specimens, and supplies.
Stock and supply patient rooms and the nursing unit.
Perform basic CPR as required.
Maintain patient confidentiality.