PNA IV / Direct Care

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Waco, TX

6d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV performs advanced rehabilitative patient care services under the clinical supervision of a registered nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The role coordinates assignments and duties for PNAs, assists patients with activities of daily living, provides emergency, health, and personal care, interacts therapeutically with patients, observes and documents patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record, and participates in individualized and unit-based programming. As a member of the recovery or admissions team, the PNA IV communicates information about patient behavior and progress toward recovery-plan goals and participates in shift reports and team meetings. The position operates under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The role also provides guidance and training to other PNAs, supports patient safety and recovery, and may assist with disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation, which may involve a different shift pattern or location. Work hours may be flexible and may include overtime or extended hours. The position is based at Waco Center for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment facility serving adolescents ages 13 through 17.

Requirements

• Four years of work experience.
• At least three years of direct care experience.
• Knowledge and experience with CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of patient aggression-reduction interventions and patient-care techniques, treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.
• Interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to interact effectively with team members.
• Computer and office-equipment skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker and provide direction to others.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English and 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, accept supervision, and train others.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive state vehicles; out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record. An eligible driving record is required, and the employee must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain it within the first 60 days of employment.
• Must be at least 21 years old for consideration at Waco Center for Youth.
• Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and applicable State Hospital immunization procedures is required.
• Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of psychiatric patient experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate assignments and specific duties for PNAs, including assistance with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating.
• Support implementation of individualized recovery plans through person-centered communication and ongoing assistance toward patient goals; accompany patients to appointments as needed.
• Communicate with team members and other PNAs about their roles in supporting patient treatment.
• Participate in recovery-team or admissions-team activities and provide collaborative verbal and written information about patients and their progress toward individualized goals.
• Instruct PNAs on patient communication, treatment plans, and ways to support patients' recovery processes.
• Use computer skills and guide PNAs on reporting procedures to ensure timely, clear documentation of patient care information.
• Assist licensed nurses and guide PNAs in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and completing assigned tasks within competency level.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients.
• 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 verbal de-escalation and TIPS under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Instruct PNAs on promptly sharing clinically relevant information with the RN, including observations about medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation; participate in shift change.
• Serve as a preceptor for new PNA employees and other personnel assigned to the unit.
• Provide the supervising RN with objective information about assigned PNAs' work performance to support evaluation and identify training or improvement needs.
• Perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation when required.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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