Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Neuropsychiatric Unit (2JPW) - 90-100%25

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks that assist members of the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The position is on the 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 is located at John Pappajohn Pavilion in Iowa City, Iowa, and is a regular salaried position. It is scheduled for 36 hours per week on the night shift, between 1900 and 0730, with every-other-weekend and holiday coverage. The role requires the ability to manage conflicting demands, urgent timelines, multiple assignments, and emergencies while sustaining attention to detail and communicating effectively in an active environment where negative behavior may occur. Applicants must be able to read, write, and follow instructions. Desirable qualifications include experience defusing volatile situations, Certified Nursing Assistant status, strong written communication and customer service skills, and previous patient care experience in a mental health setting. Applicants must attach a resume. Successful candidates must disclose conviction history and undergo criminal background and credential/education verification. Up to three professional references may be requested. The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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 and immediately 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 certification.
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.
Assist patients with personal hygiene, 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.