Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

5d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs 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; interacts 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 support patients’ living and social skills and progress toward a less restrictive environment. As a recovery-team member, the PNA III communicates and documents patient behavior and progress toward recovery-plan goals, participates in shift reports and recovery-team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The PNA III may guide and oversee assigned tasks of PNA I and II staff. The role works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, following well-defined guidelines for decision-making. The position has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Duties, work location, and shifts may change to meet hospital needs. Duties may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, and the employee has limited access to records under HIPAA regulations. The positions are on the Maximum Security Unit and work either 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m. The position may require a specific, rotating, or extended shift schedule, overtime, flexibility in work hours, or an alternate shift or location during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation. Evening, night, weekend, and maximum-security work may be eligible for additional pay. The position is not eligible for telework according to the posting’s position details. 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 for employment at a state-operated facility. If transporting patients, the employee must have a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire, subject to driving-record requirements. CPR certification is required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

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 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; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required.
Pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and applicable registry checks.
Be at least 18 years of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.

Nice To Haves

Two years of patient experience or 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 effectively with team members and participate in recovery-team or admissions-team activities, providing ongoing verbal and written information about patients.
Use computer, documentation, and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information clearly, concisely, and promptly.
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 patient engagement to help minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
Promote 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 and correctly according to American Heart Association specifications.
Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information obtained 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 regarding duties assigned by an RN.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned shift schedules, and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation when needed.