Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Adult Psychiatry Unit (7RC) - 80-100% Rotating

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

1d•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 using an evidence-based, patient-centered, interdisciplinary approach. The team collaborates with patients and families and includes physicians, psychologists, advanced practice providers, master-level therapists, nurses, social workers, dieticians, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists. The unit uses dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care, and features a behavioral health consultant role intended to improve patient and team outcomes. 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. The organization’s mission is “Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.” This is a regular salaried position located 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 react quickly and respond immediately to emergencies.
Ability to maintain attention to detail over extended periods and remain aware of variations in 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) 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.