Nursing Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a Nurse Assistant/Mental Health Associate for a full-time position in Gragg 1: 28-Bed All-Male Unit. The role assists licensed staff in delivering patient care, supports activities of daily living, and participates in psychiatric rehabilitation activities.

The candidate should have CPR and KY SRNA certification, good teamwork, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Regular three 12.5-hour shifts and some weekends/holidays are required.

Qualifications

• Current Kentucky SRNA certification is required.
• Experience in a hospital setting preferred.
• CPR certification required.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain vital signs and assist with activities of daily living.

Responsibilities

• Assist a licensed healthcare provider in patient care for adults with psychiatric diagnoses.
• Plan, organize, and implement psychiatric rehabilitation activities.
• Escort patients to and from activities and maintain documentation of patient behavior.
• Lead or co-lead group activities and ensure a safe, therapeutic environment.

Skills

CPR

Vital signs

Communication

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

KY SRNA certification

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

This position requires regularly sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time and performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to or over 50 pounds; and standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; occasionally requires standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds and/or working in confined spaces. Also involves some exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to loud noises, temperature extremes, hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, radiation, burns, cuts/punctures, blood-borne or airborne pathogens, and/or combative/violent people.

Shift

Must be able to work three 12.5-hour shifts per week (7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.) Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays.

Job Summary

Eastern State Hospital is currently recruiting for a full-time Nurse Assistant/Mental Health Associate in Gragg 1: 28-Bed All-Male Unit.

The Mental Health Associate will assist a licensed healthcare provider in the delivery of patient care to adult patients with a primary psychiatric diagnosis. Assists in providing age appropriate and specific needs, treatment services, and performs related tasks as required (i.e. obtain vital signs; assist with activities of daily living). Provides direct patient care by planning, organizing, and implementing psychiatric rehabilitation activities. Assists in escort of patients to and from activities, assists in screening and basic assessment of patients. Provides documentation and keeps records of patient behavior. Assists in patient supervision of patients during treatment/support activities. Leads/co-leads group activities. Implements hospital and departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in assuring a safe, therapeutic environment.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, honest, trustworthy, and have a strong work ethic. Must enjoy working in a team, but also be able to take direction and communicate effectively with staff, patients and their family members independently. In addition, must also be confident and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of CPR and basic concept of abnormal vital sign parameters is a must. Candidate will also need strong organizational, prioritization, basic computer navigation skills, and a working knowledge of the Internet.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Previous healthcare experience and CPR certification preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/22/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently certified as a Kentucky State Registered Nursing Assistant?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate your paid work experience in a hospital as a Behavioral Health Tech, Nursing Assistant, and/or a State Registered Nursing Assistant (SRNA).
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * How many years of mental health related experience do you have?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years