PNA II / Direct Care

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Waco, TX

5d•$3,048 - $4,150•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II (PNA II) provides moderately complex rehabilitative patient care in an inpatient psychiatric setting under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The role includes providing emergency, health, and personal care; observing, reporting, and documenting patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; interacting therapeutically with patients; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA II maintains ongoing therapeutic interactions to promote patients’ living and social skills and progress toward a less restrictive environment. As a member of the recovery team, the PNA II communicates patient behavior and progress toward individualized recovery goals and participates in shift reports and team meetings. The position performs delegated nursing duties within demonstrated competency and may guide PNA I staff. Work is performed under general supervision, with limited latitude for independent judgment and decisions guided by established procedures. The position is based at Waco Center for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Duties, work location, and shift patterns may change to meet hospital needs. The work may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and access to a limited set of records under HIPAA regulations. The position may involve disaster response or continuity-of-operations support, including alternate shifts or locations. Evening, night, and weekend work may qualify for additional pay.

Requirements

At least 12 months of work experience.
Knowledge of patient-care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.
Basic computer skills.
Effective interpersonal and leadership skills and the ability to interact effectively with team members.
Skill in taking vital signs.
Ability to read, write, and understand English and follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, and conduct TIPS.
Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
Ability to train and provide guidance to others.
Valid Texas driver's license, or obtain one within 90 days of hire, to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of licensure.
Eligible driving record under HHSC Fleet Management policy and ability to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within the first 60 days of employment.
Must be at least 21 years old for Waco Center for Youth applicants.
Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and specified registry checks.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital procedures is required.
Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.
Must be registered with Selective Service if male and between ages 18 and 25.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of direct care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement individualized recovery plans and provide consistent support to help patients achieve their goals.
Use therapeutic, person-centered communication to engage patients; assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating; and accompany patients to appointments as required.
Communicate effectively and collaboratively with team members, including providing verbal and written patient updates as a recovery-team or admissions-team participant.
Use basic computer and documentation skills to report patient-care information accurately and promptly.
Assist licensed nurses with monitoring patients during medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and completing other assigned tasks within competency.
Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients.
Promote classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups as assigned.
Respond to crises and psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including verbal de-escalation and TIPS under direct RN supervision.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED according to American Heart Association specifications.
Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information observed during patient interactions, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
Provide guidance and preceptorship to PNA I staff when requested and when PNA III and IV staff are absent.
Participate in assigned unit-based and hospital-wide committees focused on quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning.
Attend work regularly and work assigned, rotating, extended, or overtime shifts as required; perform other assigned duties, including disaster-response or continuity-of-operations support.
Drive state vehicles and golf carts as required.