Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

5d • $3,048 - $4,150 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II (PNA II) performs moderately complex rehabilitative patient care under the clinical supervision of a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The role provides emergency, health, and personal care; supports patients through therapeutic interactions; observes, reports, and documents patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participates in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA II promotes patients’ living and social skills and progress toward recovery goals and a less restrictive environment. As part of the recovery team, the PNA II provides verbal and written information about patient behavior and progress, participates in shift reports and team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The position may include providing guidance and preceptorship to PNA I staff. Work is under general supervision, with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and decisions follow well-defined guidelines. The role has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Duties, work location, and shift patterns may change to meet hospital needs. Work may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, and the employee has limited access to records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

The position is based at San Antonio State Hospital on the Maximum Security Unit. Positions work 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m.; the posting lists day and night shifts and notes that schedules may include rotating or extended shifts, overtime, or alternate assignments. The position is not eligible for telework and may require travel up to 5%. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, and maximum-security work.

HHSC describes its psychiatric hospitals as providing recovery-oriented, science-based treatment for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care. This full-time position also involves supporting agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when assigned, potentially at another location or on an alternate shift.

Requirements

• At least 12 months of work experience.
• 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 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 certification within the first 60 days of employment.
• If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from the licensing state.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures is required.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime or extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Twelve months of direct care experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of patient-care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental, and person-centered recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact effectively with team members.
• Skills in taking vital signs.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized recovery plans and support patients in achieving 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 and collaborate with team members, including providing ongoing verbal and written information about patients as a recovery-team or admissions-team participant.
• Use computer and documentation skills to report patient-care information clearly, accurately, and promptly.
• Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients during medication administration or treatment, taking and monitoring vital signs, and completing other tasks within competency.
• Promote safety through ongoing environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients.
• Promote available classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups as assigned.
• Respond to crises and psychiatric emergencies under direct RN supervision, using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including verbal de-escalation and Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS).
• 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 observations, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
• When PNA III and IV staff are absent, provide guidance and preceptorship to other PNAs as requested.
• Serve on unit-based and hospital-wide committees as appointed, attending meetings and contributing to quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating schedules, and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor to support efficient patient-care-unit operations.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, and maximum-security work

What This Job Offers

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