Psychiatric Nursing Asst I

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.
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. 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.
Positions are available on Wichita Falls Campus for programs that serve Adults (18-65), Individuals with Neurocognitive Disabilities, Geriatric (Over 65), and a Maximum-Security Unit (additional 6.8% Maximum Security Pay).
Available shifts include 7a-3p (Days), 3p-11p (Evening), and 11p-7a (Night) shifts.
Preference of program and shift will be considered during the screening and
interview process.
This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.?
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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.


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.


Monitors patients as assigned and provides observation to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Escorts patient to appointments as required.


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.


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 preparing patients for medication administration or treatment. Includes taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.


Actively promotes safety through the continuous monitoring of the environment and active engagement of patients, to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.


Assists in facilitating programming offered on unit or at the facility. Co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested and encourages patients to attend.


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.


Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs.
Knowledge of basic computer skills.
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.?

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:
Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.

Six (six months) year continuous work history with the same employer.

Experience in direct patient care work preferred.

Additional Information:
SALARY NOTE: The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.


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.?
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All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.?Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
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Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
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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 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.?
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If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.?


HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.


In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:
68X, 4C0X1
Note: 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.