Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Neuropsychiatric Unit (2JPW) - 50%25

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks assisting the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The position is in the Adult Psychiatry Unit (2JPW), a 22-bed unit that cares 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 role includes supporting patient care and safety, assisting patients with personal care, observing and documenting behavior, and helping maintain patient rooms and the nursing unit. The schedule is 20 hours per week, with day and evening work and alternating weekends and holidays. The work location is John Pappajohn Pavilion in Iowa City, Iowa.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Ability to work in an environment with 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 remain 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 (CNA) credential.
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 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 admission.
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.