Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

2d • $2,769 - $3,548 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) performs entry-level to routine rehabilitative patient services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The role provides emergency, health, and personal care; builds therapeutic interactions with patients; observes, reports, and documents patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participates in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA I helps patients develop living and social skills and progress toward a less restrictive environment, and contributes verbal and written information about patient behavior and recovery-plan progress as part of recovery or admissions teams. The position works under moderate supervision and uses initiative and judgment within defined guidelines. Duties, work location, and shift patterns may change to meet hospital needs. Work may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and access to a limited set of records under HIPAA regulations. The role is based at Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas; telework is not eligible, and travel may be up to 5%. Evening, night, and/or weekend work may qualify for additional pay. The employee may be assigned overtime, extended hours, rotating shifts, alternate shifts, or alternate locations, including in support of disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations.

Requirements

• At least six months of work experience.
• Knowledge of patient-care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English and effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• CPR certification, or ability to obtain CPR certification within the first 60 days of employment.
• If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license or ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures is required.
• Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of direct-care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized recovery plans and support patients in reaching their goals through therapeutic, person-centered communication.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care; accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with team members, including participating in recovery or admissions teams and providing ongoing verbal and written patient-care information.
• Use basic computer, documentation, and reporting skills to communicate patient-care information clearly, concisely, and promptly.
• Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other tasks within competency.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs and encourage patient participation; co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Respond to crises or psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including TIPS and verbal de-escalation under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an Automatic External Defibrillator according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift schedules, and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation when required.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Potential additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed