About this role
Psychiatric Assistant - Full time - Night shift
Weekends and holidays required
Position Summary
The Psychiatric Assistant provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. This role assists in meeting the personal, safety, and psychosocial needs of behavioral health patients while helping maintain a secure, therapeutic environment. The Psychiatric Assistant plays an important role in patient observation, documentation, admissions and discharges, environmental safety, and daily unit operations.
Key Responsibilities
- ##### Provide compassionate care and support to patients, addressing personal comfort and daily needs.
- ##### Conduct regular patient rounds and promptly respond to patient requests and concerns.
- ##### Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, including obtaining vital signs and completing required documentation.
- ##### Accurately document patient care, vital signs, intake and output, patient education, and observations in the electronic medical record.
- ##### Monitor patients requiring constant observation and complete required documentation in accordance with established policies.
- ##### Assist in maintaining patient safety by securing personal belongings and supporting unit safety procedures.
- ##### Assist with meal distribution, menu completion, and safety monitoring during mealtimes.
- ##### Support unit operations through clerical tasks, telephone and paging system usage, supply management, work order entry, and laboratory order processing.
- ##### Conduct routine environmental safety rounds, ensuring compliance with behavioral health safety standards and infection prevention practices.
- ##### Collaborate effectively with nurses, physicians, patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- ##### High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- ##### Completion of an approved Nursing Assistant Program required.
Experience
- ##### Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
Certifications
- ##### Current Maryland Nursing Assistant Certification required.
- ##### Current BLS (CPR) certification required in accordance with organizational policy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- ##### Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- ##### Ability to interact professionally and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- ##### Excellent observation and documentation skills.
- ##### Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism.
- ##### Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- ##### Commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Candidates must possess the physical ability to safely assist patients and perform routine patient care activities in a behavioral health setting.
Why Join Our Team?
Join a dedicated behavioral health team committed to providing safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients while working in a collaborative healthcare environment.
Caring for Our Team
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.
Happy to Help
At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.