PNA III / Direct Care

About the role

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services work under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. The PNA III has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a lesser restrictive environment.

Responsibilities

• Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients in reaching their goals.
• Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients.
• Affords assistance with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
• Accompanies patients 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 ongoing, 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. Includes taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.
• 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 and models appropriate response 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.
• Provides RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, behavioral escalation, etc.) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.
• In the absence of the PNA IV, provides guidance and preceptorship, as requested, to the PNA Is and IIs in the performance of duties assigned by a RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.

Requirements

At least two (2) years’ work experience is required. One (1) year psychiatric patient or direct care experience is required. Two (2) years' psychiatric patient or direct care experience is preferred.

Qualifications

Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.

CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.

Skills

Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.

Knowledge of basic computer skills.

Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills.

Skill in taking vital signs.

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.

Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

Benefits

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.

Pay

$3,649.83 - $4,594.50

Schedule

Day