Psychiatric Nursing Asst I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Big Spring, TX

108d • $2,769 - $3,547

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) perform entry-level to routine (journey-level) rehabilitative patient services work. The PNA I provide patient care services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; interacting with patients therapeutically; observing, reporting and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA I have a primary responsibility to maintain direct and on-going therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a lesser restrictive environment. As an integral member of the recovery team or admissions team, provides verbal and supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings. Performs any combination of nursing duties commensurate with competency. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Completion of work requires use of simple and/or routine duties, while decision making is based on simple and well-defined guidelines. The PNA I has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Must understand that duties, location of work, and shift patterns are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

Requirements

• Six (6) months’ work experience.
• Six months of direct care experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.

Nice To Haves

• CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.
• If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients with reaching their goals.
• Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients.
• Assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
• Accompanies patient to appointments as required.
• Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace.
• Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team.
• Provides on-going collaborative verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
• Assists the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment.
• Proactively promotes safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promotes classes and programs offered and encourages patient participation.
• Co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested.
• Responds in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary by applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) including verbal de-escalation under the direct supervision of a RN to ensure the health and safety of all persons.
• Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

What This Job Offers

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