Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Geriatric Psychiatry (2JPE) - 100%25

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks in support of the Nursing team’s patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The role is in Geriatric Psychiatry (2 JPE), a 14-bed inpatient unit at John Pappajohn Pavilion dedicated to geriatric and adult psychiatric services. The patient population includes people with dementia, depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Services include medication management, assistance with daily activities, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. This position is listed as 100% time and is a regular salaried position in Iowa City, Iowa. The schedule includes rotating days of the week and rotating shifts, every other weekend, and holiday rotation. Candidates must be able to read, write, and follow instructions. Desirable qualifications include experience defusing volatile situations, Certified Nursing Assistant certification, strong written communication and customer service experience, and prior patient care experience in a mental health setting. Applicants must upload a resume addressing how they meet the required and desired qualifications. Successful candidates must disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential and education verification. The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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 with varied backgrounds.

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.