PNA III / Direct Care

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Waco, TX

2d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III performs 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; observes, reports, and documents patient conditions and behaviors; engages therapeutically with patients; 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 a member of the recovery or admissions team, the PNA III communicates patient behavior and progress toward individualized goals, participates in shift reports and team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. In the absence of a PNA IV, the position may guide and precept PNA I and II staff. Work is performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, following 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 facility needs. Duties may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and access to a limited set of records under HIPAA regulations. The position is based at Waco Center for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving adolescents ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties or behavioral problems. The facility provides comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment and is accredited by The Joint Commission. The position is full-time, regular, nonexempt, and not eligible for telework. The stated shift is regular nights, with possible day, evening, night, and weekend shifts. The role may involve travel up to 15%, on-call rotation, overtime, extended hours, and flexibility in work hours. It may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

Requirements

At least two years of work experience.
At least one year of psychiatric patient or direct care experience.
Ability to read, write, and understand English and effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
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 provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, and conduct TIPS.
Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
Must be at least 21 years old to be considered for employment at Waco Center for Youth.
Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain one within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
Must hold CPR certification or be able to obtain it within the first 60 days of employment.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to meet the position's schedule requirements, which may include flexible hours, overtime, extended hours, rotating shifts, and on-call status.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement individualized recovery plans and support patients in working toward 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 and participate in recovery or admissions team activities, including providing verbal and written updates about patients.
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, take and monitor vital signs, and perform other tasks within competency.
Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
Encourage patient participation in classes and programs 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 TIPS, under direct RN supervision.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an Automatic External Defibrillator according to American Heart Association specifications.
Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information obtained through patient observation and interaction, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
In the absence of a PNA IV, provide guidance and preceptorship to PNA I and II staff as requested.
Attend work according to assigned schedules, potentially including rotating shifts, extended shifts, overtime, and rotating on-call duty; perform other assigned duties, including support for disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation.
Account for assigned property and maintain confidentiality and appropriate access to records.
Drive state vehicles and golf carts when required.