About this role
We are seeking a reliable, empathetic Psychiatric Nursing Assistant (PNA) to join our multidisciplinary clinical team in providing patient-centered therapeutic care.
Role Summary
The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist individuals experiencing acute or chronic mental health conditions. You will play a vital role in ensuring patient safety, assisting with daily living activities, facilitating therapeutic environments, and monitoring patient behaviors.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct Patient Care: Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal support.
- Vital Signs & Monitoring: Conduct routine vital sign checks, measure height/weight, and accurately document medical data in the EHR system.
- Safety & Observation: Perform 15-minute safety rounds, line-of-sight monitoring, or 1-on-1 observation for high-risk patients.
- De-escalation & Crisis Intervention: Assist clinical staff in maintaining a safe, calm environment using therapeutic communication and approved physical/verbal de-escalation techniques (e.g., SPCM/CPI).
- Group & Activity Support: Encourage patient participation in therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and milieu programs.
- Team Collaboration: Report subtle changes in patient behavior, mood, or physical status immediately to the charge RN.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Certifications: Active Texas license preferred (or equivalent MHT coursework), current BLS/CPR certification, and CPI/SPCM Crisis De-escalation Training (provided upon hire if needed).
- Experience: 1+ year of direct care experience in a psychiatric, behavioral health, or acute hospital environment preferred.
- Skills: Strong active listening, conflict resolution, verbal de-escalation, and physical stamina to handle dynamic safety interventions.