Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Location: Big Spring, TX

Facility: Big Spring State Hospital

Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50 per month

Shift: Regular Weekend Day;
Additional shifts:
Days (First), Evenings (Second), Nights (Third)

Employment Type: Full‑time, Regular, Non‑Exempt

Travel: Up to 5%

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex rehabilitative patient care services in an inpatient setting under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities include providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; engaging therapeutically, observing, reporting, and documenting patient conditions; and participating in individualized and unit‑based programming. The PNA III maintains direct therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills, encourages progress toward less restrictive environments, and provides verbal and supportive documentation of individual patient behaviors and progress.

The position supports shift reports, recovery team meetings, and delegated nursing duties within competency. Limited financial responsibility; accountability for assigned property. Participation in disaster response and continuity of operations may be required.

• Attend work as scheduled, including rotating shifts and overtime where required.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and offer consistent support for patients reaching goals.
• Use therapeutic, person‑centered communication to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members to promote a positive workplace.
• Serve on the recovery or admissions team, providing ongoing verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Use basic computer, documentation, and reporting skills to convey patient care information clearly and concisely.
• Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration, including taking and monitoring vital signs.
• Proactively promote safety through environmental awareness and patient engagement to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote and encourage participation in classes and programs; co‑facilitate groups as assigned.
• Respond appropriately to crisis or psychiatric emergencies, using the least restrictive interventions under RN supervision and applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS).
• Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques and use an AED correctly and safely per American Heart Association standards.
• Provide timely, clinically relevant patient information to the RN about side effects, disease/injury or behavioral escalation.
• When a PNA IV is absent, guide PNA I and II in performing duties assigned by an RN to maintain efficient patient care.

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills, with ability to work with team members.
• Ability to take vital signs.
• Reading, writing, and understanding English for verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to administer first aid, CPR, and conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work under supervision and train others.

• Valid Texas driver license within 90 days of hire (out‑of‑state license must provide certified driving record).
• CPR certification, or obtain certification within 60 days of employment.

• At least two (2) years of work experience.
• One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required.

• Two years of patient experience or direct care preferred.
• Must pass background checks, drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE). Males 18‑25 must register with Selective Service.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old;
  Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years old.
• Flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures for immunizations is required. Vaccinations for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza mandatory unless immunized for influenza where mask mandatory.

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Career advancement opportunities.