Psychiatric Nursing Assistant lll

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • El Paso, TX

6d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex, journey-level 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. A primary responsibility is maintaining ongoing therapeutic interactions that promote patients’ living and social skills and progress toward a less restrictive environment. As part of the recovery team, the PNA III communicates patient behaviors and progress toward recovery-plan goals, participates in shift reports and team meetings, and performs delegated nursing duties within their competency. The position may provide guidance to PNA I and II staff. It works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, following established guidelines. The employee is accountable for assigned property, may have access to a limited set of records under HIPAA regulations, and may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Duties, work location, and shifts may change to meet hospital needs.

The position is full-time at the El Paso Psychiatric Center in El Paso, Texas. The posted schedule is a regular weekend day shift, and the role is not eligible for telework. Travel may be up to 5%. The position may require schedule flexibility, rotating or alternate shifts, overtime, extended hours, and participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

Candidates must have at least two years of work experience, including one year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care. Two years of patient experience or direct care is preferred. Applicants must pass required criminal background, drug, and registry checks. Employees must comply with applicable HHSC immunization policies and state hospital procedures.

Requirements

• At least two years of work experience.
• At least one year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care.
• 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 and to communicate 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 license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background checks, a pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and LEIE checks.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of patient experience or direct care 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 team members, and participate in recovery-team or admissions-team activities.
• Provide ongoing verbal and written information about patients, including their behaviors and progress toward individualized recovery goals.
• Use basic computer skills and documentation and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information accurately 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 engagement with patients to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs and encourage patient participation; 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.
• Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information obtained through observation and interaction, such as possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
• In the absence of the PNA IV, provide requested guidance to PNA I and II staff on duties assigned by an RN.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating schedules, and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation as needed.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• May be eligible for additional pay 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