Psychiatric Nursing Asst I 80%-100% Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU

Psychiatric Nursing Asst I 80%-100% Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

The University of Iowa Health Care is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I to perform specific tasks to assist members of the nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I's are unlicensed staff members who work under the direct supervision of a professional nurse. Under close supervision, performs specific nursing tasks to assist and provide for the general comfort and welfare and monitoring of psychiatric hospital patients.

The CSU is a short-stay unit with a maximum capacity of 14. Members of the interdisciplinary treatment team are prepared to manage patients who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis and in need of immediate, around-the-clock care and observation. The unit's open concept features a large central room with comfortable reclining chairs, rather than traditional hospital beds. Spaces for individual therapy are located immediately adjacent to the central living space.

The unit provides other homelike touches, including TVs, music, and web access. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Identifies effect of the environment on patients, suggests environmental modifications, and implements these as assisted.
• Assists with admission, transfer, and discharge of patients.
• Identifies potential crisis situations, reports to team leader, intervenes when necessary, and is able to avert crisis situations with patients.
• Records patient behavior accurately, identifies significant material to report to team leader. Cites patient's activity levels and insures appropriate coverage.
• Provides physical care to patients as assigned, including taking care and recording of vital signs.
• Plans and conducts activities with patients to enhance their social skills; identifies the need for activities of patients; plans activities according to patient needs.
• Participates in nursing care conferences; reports pertinent patient information and incidents to the team leader.
• Takes temperature, pulse and blood pressure readings for patients.
• Performs diagnostic/therapeutic procedures as needed.
• Provides transport for patients, equipment, specimens and supplies.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel and students.
• Carries out specific precautionary measures for patients.
• Demonstrates awareness of total ward situation. Uses limits, controls, and routines to therapeutic advantage for the patient.
• Stock and supply patient rooms and nursing units.

Percent of Time: 80%-100%

Schedule:

Rotating shifts - Day/Evening/Night

Location:

Roy J. Carver Pavilion Rotations:
Holiday rotation per unit guidelines Benefits Highlights:
Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
Ability to read, write and follow instructions. Desirable

Qualification:

Experience defusing volatile situations Be a Certified Nursing Assistant Have strong written communication skills with experience providing customer service relations Previous patient care experience in a Mental Health setting is highly desired.