PNA III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Rusk, TX

6d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III performs complex rehabilitative patient care in an inpatient psychiatric setting under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The role provides emergency, health, and personal care; engages patients therapeutically; 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 a member 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 role may provide guidance to PNA I and II staff and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and judgment.

The position is based at Rusk State Hospital in Rusk, Texas, and is a full-time, nonexempt position. The listed shift is evening, with additional evening and night shifts noted. The position is not eligible for telework and may involve travel up to 5%. Shift patterns, work location, and duties may change to meet hospital needs. Work may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, and the employee has limited access to records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

The role may require rotating or extended shifts, overtime, and flexible hours. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, and maximum-security work. Employees may also be called on to support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which could require a different shift or location. Applicants must pass required background, drug-screening, and registry checks and comply with applicable hospital immunization policies.

Requirements

• At least two years of work experience.
• At least one year of psychiatric patient experience or direct-care experience.
• 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 the ability to interact effectively with team members.
• Skill in taking vital signs.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English to communicate effectively and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 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 is required, or must be obtained within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record; 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 criminal background, pre-employment drug-screening, and required registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and LEIE checks.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations.
• Males between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of patient experience or direct-care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized recovery plans and support patients in achieving their goals using 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 effectively with team members and contribute to a positive workplace.
• Participate in recovery-team or admissions-team activities and provide ongoing verbal and written communication about patients.
• Use computer, documentation, and reporting procedures to communicate patient-care information clearly and promptly.
• Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and performing 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 verbal de-escalation and TIPS, under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant information gained through patient observation and interaction, including possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
• In the absence of the PNA IV, provide guidance to PNA I and II staff as requested on duties assigned by an RN.
• Attend work regularly and work assigned schedules, including rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime when required.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Career advancement opportunities
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on maximum-security locations

What This Job Offers

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