Nursing Asst I - 3rd Shift

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission – Big Spring State Hospital in Big Spring, TX is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III to provide direct patient care in an inpatient psychiatric unit under RN supervision. The role entails emergency and routine care, observation, documentation, and collaboration with the recovery team.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and participating in crisis intervention using TIPS when needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

Responsibilities

• Provides complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services under clinical supervision of an RN in an inpatient setting.
• Monitors patient conditions and documents in the electronic record.
• Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings.
• Assists with activities of daily living and self-care to promote independence.
• Assists the licensed nurse with monitoring and administration of medications and vital signs.
• Promotes safety and de-escalation in crisis or psychiatric situations.

Skills

Basic Computer Skills

English Literacy

Patient Care

Team Collaboration

TIPS De-escalation

Job description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Functional Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car

Healthcare Support

Shift: Regular Weekend Day

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Facility Location: Big Spring State Hospital

Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87

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? 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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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. 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 III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services work. Provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA III has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and on-going therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a lesser restrictive environment than the hospital. Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings. Performs delegated nursing duties commensurate with competency. Works under general supervision with, moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Completion of work requires the performance of complex duties, while decision making is based on well-defined guidelines. The PNA III has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Must understand that duties, location of work, and shift patterns are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients reaching their goals. Assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care. Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team. Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.

Assists the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment. Includes taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.

Proactively promotes safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.

Responds and models appropriate response in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary by applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) including verbal de-escalation under the direct supervision of an RN to ensure the health and safety of all persons.

Provides RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, behavioral escalation) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.

In the absence of the PNA IV, provides guidance, as requested, to the PNA Is and IIs in the performance of duties assigned by an RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs

• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Ability to provide patient care, to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to conduct TIPS
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision
• Ability to train and provide guidance to others

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

At least two (2) years’ work experience.

One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required.

Two Years Of Patient Experience Or Direct Care Preferred.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Required

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

In Compliance With The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC And DSHS Agencies Will Provide Reasonable Accommodation During The Hiring And Selection Process For Qualified Individuals With a Disability. If You Need Assistance Completing The On-line Application, Contact The HHS Employee Service Center At 1-888-894-4747.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.