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 assist the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The role is on 7RC, a 25-bed adult psychiatry unit that uses an evidence-based, patient-centered, interdisciplinary approach. Team members collaborate with patients and families to provide care, using therapeutic modalities that include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care. The unit will feature a behavioral health consultant position intended to support patient and team outcomes. The position involves direct patient support, safety monitoring, documentation, assistance with personal care, basic measurements, and maintaining patient rooms and unit supplies. The work requires effective communication, attention to detail, adaptability amid competing demands and urgent timelines, and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies and potential crisis situations. This is a regular salaried position in Iowa City, Iowa. The schedule includes 4-, 8-, and 12-hour rotating shifts, every other weekend, and rotating holidays. The position is listed as 80–100% rotating, with the posting also stating a percent of time of 90–100%.

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 respond quickly and 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 different backgrounds.

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.
Assist patients with personal hygiene, 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.