Nursing Assistant/UKHC

U K Healthcare Ltd; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern State Hospital is seeking a full-time Nursing Assistant/Mental Health Associate in Gragg 1: 28-Bed All-Male Unit. The role supports a licensed provider, performs vital signs, assists with daily living, and leads activities to aid psychiatric rehabilitation.

Candidates should show compassion, reliability, and teamwork, with CPR knowledge and ability to work in a fast-paced hospital setting. Located in Lexington, KY, UK HealthCare emphasizes safety and patient care.

Qualifications

• HS required for the Nursing Assistant role.
• CPR certification preferred but not required.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed provider in delivery of patient care for adults with psychiatric diagnosis.
• Obtain vital signs and assist with activities of daily living.
• Document patient behavior and assist in treatment activities.
• Lead or assist in group activities and maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Compassionate

Teamwork

Effective communication

CPR

Education

HS

Job description

Posting Details

• Job Title Nursing Assistant/UKHC
• Requisition Number RE55595
• Working Title Eastern State Hospital - MHA – Gragg 1
• Department Name H1050:ESH Nursing Services
• Work Location Lexington, KY
• Grade Level 05
• Salary Range $15.68-22.60/hour
• Type of Position Staff
• Position Time Status Full-Time
• Required Education HS
• Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
• Required Related Experience No experience required.
• 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.
• Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
• Preferred Education/Experience Previous healthcare experience and CPR certification preferred.
• Deadline to Apply 10/22/2026

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.

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.