Psychiatric Nursing Assistant- FT 12hr Shift DAYS

Description

• The Psychiatric Nurse Assistant performs routine patient care duties and selected non-professional services under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Provides individualized patient care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Maintains a therapeutic, safe and clean environment for patients.
• Provides self as role model to patients and assists them with daily personal matters.
• Participates in operating Crisis Intervention services under RN supervision.
• Maintains good work habits.
• Works within established policies and procedures of the Department of Community Programs.

Examples of Duties

• Utilizes the nursing care plan in determining intervention with patient.
• Takes temperatures, pulse, respirations, and blood pressures; weighs patients and measures height; collects routine urine specimens, stool specimens and sputum specimens as directed.
• Assists patients during meal times, observes intake and reports to a RN or LPN.
• Assist patients to establish appropriate activity / rest pattern and document sleep pattern.
• Communicates observations and changes in patient's mental and physical condition to a RN.
• Observes and records patient behavior and changes accurately on flow sheets and in progress notes.
• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of patients.
• Follows instructions given by the RN or LPN and performs assignments within the policies and procedures of the Department of Community Programs.
• Escorts patients to appointments / scheduled diagnostic tests as required.
• Assists lab technician and other medical staff with procedures as necessary.
• Provides care to patients in a manner that considers patient rights, comfort, and the therapeutic environment.
• Assists in creating and maintaining an attractive and comfortable ward environment with attention to cleanliness and safety.
• Remains in patient areas whenever possible to assist patients and visitors.
• Sets limits on patients behavior with the assistance of a nurse.
• Intervenes to decrease the panic of disturbed patients under the direction of a nurse.
• Observes and is alert regarding potential safety and fire hazards and responds effectively to emergencies.
• Uses unit equipment safely and effectively.
• Assists in applying physical restraints under nurse supervision.
• Follows protocol for suicide, assaultive, seizure, Detox, smoking and elopement precautions.
• Assists patients in caring for their money, clothing and other personal items.
• Escorts patients, initiates and participate in recreational, social and religious activities.
• Utilizes opportunities in contacts with patient families and significant others to promote better understanding of patient needs.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior when appropriate.

Typical Qualifications

• Graduation from high school (or equivalent).
• Nursing Assistant certification.
• Lift up to 50 pounds to restrain or re-locate patients and perform laundry and related duties as needed; frequent lifting or carrying of objects;
• intermittent standing and walking; occasional driving; bending, twisting, squatting, pushing, pulling and reaching; distinguish sounds at various frequencies and volumes;

distinguish people or objects at varied distance under a variety of light conditions; using hands for grasping, fine manipulation and operating control / equipment.

Supplemental Information

This position is for 12 hour shifts on days.