Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

1d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex rehabilitative patient-care work 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 III 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 III shares information about patient behavior and progress toward recovery-plan goals and participates in shift reports and recovery-team meetings. The position performs delegated nursing duties within the employee’s competency and may guide or oversee tasks assigned to PNA I and II staff. Work is performed under general supervision, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment within well-defined guidelines. The employee is accountable for assigned property and has limited access to records under HIPAA regulations. Duties, work location, and shift patterns may change to meet hospital needs. Duties may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The position may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.

The role is based at the Terrell Center for Youth in Terrell, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. The posting lists day shift, with possible days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Flexibility in work hours, overtime, or extended hours may be required; additional pay may be available for evening, night, and/or weekend work. Travel is up to 5%.

Requirements

• At least two years of work experience.
• At least one year of psychiatric patient experience or direct-care experience.
• Knowledge of patient-care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills, and ability to interact effectively with team members.
• Skill in taking vital signs.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English to communicate effectively and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 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 is required, or must be obtained within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and the record must meet HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must be at least 21 years old to apply to the Terrell Center for Youth.
• Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug, and required registry checks.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.
• Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of patient experience or direct-care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized recovery plans and provide ongoing support to help patients reach their goals.
• Use therapeutic, person-centered communication to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• 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 effectively with team members, and participate in recovery-team or admissions-team activities.
• Provide ongoing verbal and written communication about patients, including timely, clear, and concise documentation and reports using basic computer skills and electronic records.
• Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for 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 to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote 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 verbal de-escalation and Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and 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, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
• In the absence of a PNA IV, provide requested guidance to PNA I and II staff on duties assigned by an RN.
• Attend work regularly and work assigned schedules, which may include rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, or alternate shifts or locations for disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends

What This Job Offers

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