Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Adult Psychiatry Unit (7RC) - 70%

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks that support the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The position 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, dieticians, occupational and recreational therapists, patients, and families work collaboratively to provide care. The unit uses dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care, and will feature a behavioral health consultant position intended to elevate patient and team outcomes. This role requires working amid conflicting demands, urgent timelines, multiple assignments, and changing situations. The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant must respond quickly to emergencies, maintain attention to detail, communicate effectively, and work well with people across roles and backgrounds in an active environment where negative behavior may occur. The position is a regular salaried role located in Iowa City, Iowa, scheduled for 70% time with rotating shifts, every other weekend, and every other holiday.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Strong communication skills and ability to work well with all levels and types of people.
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.
Tolerance for an active work environment with potential for negative behavior.

Nice To Haves

Experience defusing volatile situations.
Certified Nursing Assistant 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.