Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

Job Title

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I)

Department:
Psych Security Direct Care
Facility:
Terrell State Hospital, 1200 E BRIN, Terrell, TX

Provide entry‑level psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Responsibilities include delivering emergency, health, and personal care services, documenting patient conditions in an electronic health record, participating in individual and unit‑based programming, and supporting recovery and admissions teams. The role emphasizes therapeutic interaction, safety promotion, and crisis response using person‑centered communication and Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS).

• Assist licensed nurses with medication monitoring and vital signs within competency level.
• Provide emergency, health, and personal care services to patients.
• Interact therapeutically with patients, observing, reporting, and documenting conditions and behaviors.
• Support individual recovery plans and promote patient progress toward less restrictive environments.
• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote self‑care.
• Accompany patients to appointments.
• Co‑facilitate group programs and encourage participation.
• Respond to psychiatric emergencies using TIPS and least‑restrictive interventions.
• Perform CPR and AED per American Heart Association guidelines.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement.
• Support disaster response and continuity of operations as required.

Attend work regularly and comply with the specified shift schedule, which may include evenings, nights, or rotating shifts.

Engage actively in recovery plans and provide consistent, ongoing support to aid patients in achieving goals.

Utilize basic computer and documentation skills to deliver clear, timely patient care information.

Participate in recovery or admissions team meetings, maintaining collaborative communication.

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and therapeutic, developmental, and recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• Proficient reading, writing, and English language communication.
• Ability to provide first aid, CPR, and TIPS.
• Capability to work collaboratively with supervision.

• Minimum six (6) months of direct care experience; six months of direct care experience preferred.
• Valid Texas driver license required if transporting patients (out‑of‑state license permitted with certified record within 90 days).
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within 60 days of employment.
• Pass federal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and CDC vaccine recommendations; mask may be required if not immunized for influenza.
• Adherence to age requirements: at least 18 years old (21 years old for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth).

Regular full‑time, non‑exempt position. Overtime, extended hours, and up to 5% travel may be required. This role does not qualify for telework. Additional pay may be earned on evenings, nights, and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities during hiring and selection.

HHSC is an equal opportunity employer and fully complies with Title VII, ex.01, ex.42, and ex.50.