Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

36d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex, journey-level rehabilitative patient care under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. 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. A primary responsibility is maintaining ongoing therapeutic interactions that promote living and social skills and progress toward a less restrictive environment. As part of the recovery team, the PNA III communicates and documents patient behaviors and progress toward individualized recovery-plan goals, participates in shift reports and team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The position may include guiding PNA I and II staff. Work is performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, while decisions follow well-defined guidelines. The employee is accountable for assigned property, may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials, and has limited access to records under HIPAA regulations. Duties, work location, and shifts may change to meet hospital needs, including during disaster response or continuity-of-operations activation. The position is based at Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas. It is full-time and not eligible for telework. Shift assignments may include days, evenings, or nights, and flexibility, rotating schedules, overtime, or extended hours may be required. The position may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and/or weekend work. Travel may be 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 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's license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record, and the driving record must meet HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass applicable fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement individualized recovery plans and provide consistent 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 effectively and collaboratively with other team members.
Participate in recovery or admissions teams and provide ongoing verbal and written communication about patients.
Use basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information clearly and promptly.
Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for 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 minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
Promote available classes and programs and encourage patient participation; co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
Respond to crises and psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including TIPS verbal de-escalation under direct RN supervision.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED safely according to American Heart Association specifications.
Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information observed through patient interaction, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
In the absence of a PNA IV, provide guidance as requested to PNA I and II staff in duties assigned by an RN.
Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or continuity-of-operations activities, which may require an alternate shift or location.