Psychiatric Nursing Asst ll / PT

Date: Aug 27 2026 | Location: El Paso, TX 79905 (4615 Alameda Ave)

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; therapeutic interaction; observation, documentation, and participation in individualized and unit‑based programming.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be assigned specific, rotating, extended, or overtime shifts.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and provide ongoing therapeutic support.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members and document patient information promptly.
• Support licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration, including taking vital signs.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement.
• Encourage patient participation in classes and programs; co‑facilitate groups as assigned.
• Respond to crises or psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive interventions (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).
• Offer guidance and preceptorship to PNA I staff when higher‑level PNAs are absent.
• 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 patient‑centered 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 clear verbal and written communication.
• Ability to provide first aid, CPR, and conduct TIPS interventions.
• Ability to work under supervision, train, and guide others.

Licensure / Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days of hire) for patient transport; out‑of‑state license requires certified driving record.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within the first 60 days of employment.

Qualifications

• At least twelve (12) months of work experience; twelve (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, LEIE).
• Male applicants must be registered with Selective Service (ages 18‑25).
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 years for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth positions).
• Flexibility for overtime, extended hours, and varying shift patterns.
• 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.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $1,828.55 – $2,489.90 per month (Salary Group TEXAS‑A‑12, Non‑exempt). Additional pay may be earned for evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Schedule

• Part‑time, regular weekend day shift.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Travel up to 5 %.
• May be required to work overtime, extended hours, or rotating schedules as needed.