Psychiatric Nursing Assistant -Vernon State Hospital

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Vernon State Hospital

Health and Human Services Commission

Additional shifts:
Days (First), Evenings (Second), Nights (Third), Weekends.

Additional Pay

• Maximum Security Unit (Behind the Fence) – 6.8%
• Shift Differential:
  Evening (3pm-11pm) – 10%
• Shift Differential:
  Night (11pm-7am) – 10%
• Weekend pay – 5%
• Overtime Pay – Out

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? The Health and Human Services Commission (HSCS) is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state‑of‑the‑art treatment that is recovery‑oriented and science‑based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) performs entry‑level to routine rehabilitative patient services work. The PNA I provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse to deliver quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; interacting with patients therapeutically; observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors;

and participating in individualized and unit‑based programming. The PNA I has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress toward a less restrictive environment. As an integral member of the recovery or admissions team, the PNA I provides verbal and supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress toward individualized goals of the recovery plan.

The PNA I participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings, performs any combination of nursing duties commensurate with competency, and works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The PNA I has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property and may be required to handle exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response or continuity of operations activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations. The position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations.

• Attends work regularly and may be asked to work a specific or rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Takes an active role in implementing individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support to assist patients in reaching their goals.
• Uses therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• Assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self‑care.
• Accompanies patient to appointments as required.
• Communicates effectively with team members to promote a positive workplace.
• Serves as a participant on the recovery or admissions team, providing ongoing collaborative verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Uses basic computer, documentation, and reporting skills to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
• Assists the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication…