Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II

Date: Sep 12, 2026

Location: Vernon State Hospital, 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX 76385

About the Role

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II (PNA II) provides moderately complex rehabilitative patient‑care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The role involves emergency, health, and personal care services; therapeutic interaction with patients; observation, documentation, and participation in individualized and unit‑based programming.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be assigned rotating, extended, or overtime schedules.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and provide consistent therapeutic support.
• Use person‑centered communication to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate collaboratively with team members and document patient information in electronic records.
• Support licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration, including taking and monitoring vital signs.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement.
• Encourage patient participation in classes and programs; co‑facilitate groups when assigned.
• Respond to crisis or psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention (TIPS) and verbal de‑escalation under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR, Heimlich, and AED use according to American Heart Association guidelines.
• Provide RN with timely, clinically relevant observations (e.g., side effects, behavioral escalation).
• When senior PNAs are absent, offer guidance and preceptorship to junior staff.
• Serve on unit‑based and hospital‑wide committees focused on quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure efficient operation of the patient‑care unit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of patient‑care techniques, treatment, therapy, developmental, and recovery programs.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership abilities for team interaction.
• Skill in taking vital signs.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for verbal and written communication.
• Ability to provide first aid, CPR, and apply TIPS interventions.
• Ability to work under supervision and train or guide others.

Requirements

• Valid Texas driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days of hire) for patient transport; out‑of‑state licenses require a certified driving record.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within the first 60 days of employment.
• At least 12 months of direct‑care experience (preferred).
• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and required registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Male applicants ages 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 years for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth positions).
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital vaccination requirements.

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary range: $3,047.58 – $4,149.83 per month (pay frequency: monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑A‑12. Position is non‑exempt.

Schedule

Shift: Day. Additional shift options include Days (First), Evenings (Second), Nights (Third), and Weekends. Full‑time, regular position. No telework eligibility. Travel up to 5 % may be required.