Psychiatric Nursing Asst I

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery- oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your
contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.
The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) rehabilitative patient services work. The PNA I provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; observing, reporting and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; interacting with patients therapeutically; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA I has 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 or lack thereof, towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings or admission 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.
Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the unit. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions:
1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
2. Uses therapeutic communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients to assist them in meeting the objectives of their individual recovery plans. If working nights, maintains a quiet and restful environment to promote patient’s rest and sleep. If working in admissions, facilitates the admissions process by reassuring the patient as they are evaluated and provided with the required documentation.
3. Provides supportive, age specific care to patients as assigned by the Registered Nurse (RN) or designees(s) and assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
4. Monitors patients as assigned and provides observation to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Escorts patient to appointments as required.
5. Serves as a liaison to the recovery team or admissions team, providing on-going, verbal and written communication concerning patient’s progress or lack thereof, to individualized goals.
6. Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
7. Assists the licensed nurse in preparing patients for medication administration or treatment. Includes taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.
8. Actively promotes safety through the continuous monitoring of the environment and active engagement of patients, to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
9. Assists in facilitating programming offered on unit or at the facility. Co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested and encourages patients to attend.
10. Responds effectively in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations, verbal de-escalation, and the application of Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), and other more restrictive interventions under the direct supervision of a RN to avert crisis situations and to ensure the health and safety of all patients. Communicates effectively with other team members to ensure a culture that promotes the least restrictive interventions necessary.
11. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
12. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs.
2. Knowledge of basic computer skills.
3. Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
4. Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to conduct TIPS.
5. Ability to work with others and accept supervision.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
If transporting patients, 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.

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.
2. Experience in direct patient care work preferred.

Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.
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 HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68X, 4C0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.