Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Adult Psychiatry Unit (7RC) - 90%

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

11h•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 7RC, a 25-bed adult psychiatry unit that uses an evidence-based, patient-centered, interdisciplinary approach. Physicians, psychologists, advanced practice providers, master-level therapists, nurses, social workers, dietitians, occupational and recreational therapists collaborate with patients and families to provide care. The unit uses dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care, and features a behavioral health consultant position intended to improve patient and team outcomes. This is a regular salaried position in Iowa City, Iowa, scheduled for 90% time on 12-hour night shifts from 1930 to 0730 every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The University of Iowa Health Care is Iowa’s only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. More than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and service to patients.

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 react quickly, including responding immediately to emergencies.
Ability to maintain attention to detail over extended periods and remain aware of changes in 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.
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.