Psychiatric Nursing Asst

Position: Psychiatric Nursing Asst. I

Vernon State Hospital, Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I). This entry‑level role supports patient care in an inpatient psychiatric setting, working under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Location

Vernon State Hospital – 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX 76385

Key Details

• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I
• Agency: Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)
• Department: Developmental Mental Education (DMEL)
• Posting Number: 7886
• Closing Date: March 4, 2026
• Shift: Day (with possibility of evenings, nights, weekends)
• Schedule: Days (First);
  Evenings (Second);
  Nights (Third);
  Weekends
• Telework: Not Eligible
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Description

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I performs entry‑level to routine rehabilitative patient services in an inpatient setting. Responsibilities include providing emergency, health, and personal care services; interacting therapeutically with patients; observing and documenting patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participating in individualized and unit‑based programming. The PNA I has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills, thereby encouraging progress toward a less restrictive environment.

Essential

Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attend work regularly and comply with shift schedules, including rotating, extended, and overtime as needed.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and offer consistent support to help patients reach goals.
• Use therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self‑care.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members and promote a positive workplace.
• Serve as a participant in recovery or admissions teams, providing ongoing verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Use basic computer, documentation, and reporting skills to communicate patient care information clearly and timely.
• Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs.
• Proactively promote safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs offered and encourage patient participation; co‑facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Respond to crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary, applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques and AED usage correctly and safely per American Heart Association specifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and treatments, therapy, developmental, and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for effective communication and instruction execution.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, and conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Valid Texas driver license required if transporting patients; obtain within 90 days of hire if not already held.
• CPR certification or obtain certification within first 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

Six (6) months of work experience.

Additional Information

Six months of direct care experience is preferred.

Background and Eligibility Checks

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and LEIE. Males 18‑25 must register with Selective Service. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age;
Waco Center for Youth applicants 21 years of age.

Immunization Policy

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. Workers are required to be vaccinated per CDC guidelines; if not vaccinated for influenza, mask and protective measures may be required.

ADA Accommodations

HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Assistance to complete the online application is available by contacting HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747.

Telework Disclaimer

All positions are subject to state and agency telework policies; discretion of supervisor and business needs.

How to Apply

Apply through the Texas Health & Human Services Commission portal. If you have questions, contact the HHS Employee Service Center. All applications are evaluated by HR and Compliance teams.

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