Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

1d•$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; therapeutic interaction; observation and documentation of patient conditions and behavior in electronic records; and participation in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA II supports patients’ living and social skills and progress toward recovery goals and a less restrictive environment. As part of the recovery team, the PNA II shares verbal and written information about patient behavior and progress, participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The PNA II may guide PNA I staff and works under general supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based at San Antonio State Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. It involves 12-hour shifts from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; units and shifts may be assigned or changed according to hospital needs. The role is not eligible for telework and may require travel up to 5%. Work may include overtime, extended hours, alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or continuity-of-operations activities, and exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The employee has access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPAA regulations and is accountable for assigned property, but has no financial responsibility. HHSC describes its work as providing specialized, recovery-oriented and science-based psychiatric care. Full-time eligible employees receive 100% paid employee health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, and opportunities for career advancement. This position may also be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

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 to communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions effectively.
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 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 of hire to drive a state vehicle; an eligible driving record is required. 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 fingerprint criminal background checks, a pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and LEIE checks.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
Applicants must be registered with Selective Service if male and between 18 and 25 years old.

Nice To Haves

Twelve months of direct care experience is preferred.

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 other team members, including through shift reports and recovery or admissions team participation.
Provide ongoing verbal and written information about patients, including documentation of conditions, behavior, and progress toward goals in electronic records.
Use basic computer, documentation, and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information clearly and promptly.
Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients during medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency.
Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
Promote available classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups when assigned or requested.
Respond to crises and psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including TIPS and verbal de-escalation under direct RN supervision.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED safely and correctly according to American Heart Association specifications.
Give the RN timely, clinically relevant information gained through observation and interaction, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
Provide guidance and preceptorship to PNA staff when requested and when PNA III and IV staff are absent.
Serve on assigned unit-based and hospital-wide committees, attending meetings and contributing to quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift schedules, and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor, including support for disaster response, recovery, or continuity-of-operations activation.