PNA II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Rusk, TX

7d•$3,048 - $4,150•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II (PNA II) performs moderately complex, journey-level rehabilitative patient care in an inpatient psychiatric setting under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The role provides emergency, health, and personal care; engages therapeutically with patients; observes, reports, and documents patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participates 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 part of the recovery team, the PNA II communicates patient behavior and progress toward recovery-plan goals, participates in shift reports and team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The position may provide guidance to PNA Is and works under general supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment. The role is based at Rusk State Hospital in Rusk, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. The listed shift is day, with additional evening and night shifts. Duties, work location, and shift patterns may change to meet hospital needs; flexible hours, rotating schedules, overtime, or extended hours may be required. The position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and has limited access to records in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security work. Applicants must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, drug screening, and applicable registry checks. Employees must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. If transporting patients, the employee must have a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. CPR certification is required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

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 skills and ability to interact with team members.
Skill in taking vital signs.
Ability to read, write, and understand English and effectively communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid or CPR, and conduct TIPS.
Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
Ability to train and provide guidance to others.
CPR certification, or ability to obtain it within the first 60 days of employment.
If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; an eligible driving record is required, and applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record.
Pass required fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Be at least 18 years old to work at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
Flexibility to work assigned schedules, which may include rotating shifts, overtime, or extended hours.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of direct-care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support implementation of individualized recovery plans and help patients work toward their goals using therapeutic, person-centered communication.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care, and accompany patients to appointments as required.
Communicate collaboratively and effectively with team members, including providing ongoing verbal and written information about patients to recovery or admissions teams.
Use basic computer, documentation, and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information clearly, concisely, and promptly.
Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients during medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and completing other tasks within competency.
Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
Promote available classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
Respond to crises and psychiatric emergencies under direct RN supervision, using the least restrictive intervention necessary and Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), including verbal de-escalation.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and safely use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) according to American Heart Association specifications.
Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information gained through observation and interaction, including possible medication side effects, disease or injury, and behavioral escalation.
When PNA III and IV staff are absent, provide guidance and preceptorship to other PNAs as requested.
Participate in appointed unit-based and hospital-wide committees, contributing to quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift schedules, and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.