Psychiatric Nursing Asst I 50%25-100%25 Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care is seeking an unlicensed Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I to assist the nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. Under close supervision, the role performs specific nursing tasks to support the comfort, welfare, and monitoring of psychiatric hospital patients. The position is based in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), a short-stay unit with a maximum capacity of 13. The interdisciplinary team cares for patients experiencing a psychiatric crisis who need immediate, around-the-clock care and observation. The unit has an open-concept central living space with reclining chairs, adjacent individual therapy spaces, and amenities such as TVs, music, and web access.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Identify how the environment affects patients, suggest modifications, and implement them with assistance.
Assist with patient admission, transfer, and discharge.
Identify potential crisis situations, report them to the team leader, intervene when necessary, and help avert crises.
Accurately record patient behavior and identify significant information to report to the team leader.
Monitor patient activity levels and ensure appropriate coverage.
Provide assigned physical care, including taking and recording vital signs.
Plan and conduct activities that support patients’ social skills, identify activity needs, and tailor activities to patient needs.
Participate in nursing care conferences and report pertinent patient information and incidents to the team leader.
Take patients’ temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as needed.
Transport patients, equipment, specimens, and supplies.
Assist with orientation of new personnel and students.
Carry out specific patient precautionary measures.
Maintain awareness of the overall ward situation.
Use limits, controls, and routines therapeutically for patients.
Stock and supply patient rooms and nursing units.