Psychiatric Nursing Asst l / PT

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•El Paso, TX

1d•$1,829 - $2,129•Onsite

About The Position

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.
Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.
Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
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

Six months of direct care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform entry-level to routine (journey-level) rehabilitative patient services work.
Provide patient care services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting.
Provide emergency, health, and personal care services to patients.
Interact with patients therapeutically.
Observe, report and document, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors.
Participate in individualized and unit-based programming.
Maintain direct and on-going therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a lesser restrictive environment.
Provide verbal and supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress towards individualized goals of the recovery plan.
Participate in shift reports and recovery team meetings.
Perform any combination of nursing duties commensurate with competency.
Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Take an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients with reaching their goals.
Use therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients.
Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
Accompany patient to appointments as required.
Communicate effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace.
Serve as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team.
Provide on-going collaborative verbal and written communication concerning patients.
Use basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment.
Take and monitor vital signs and perform other assigned tasks within competency level.
Proactively promote safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
Promote classes and programs offered and encourage patient participation.
Co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
Respond 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.
Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.