Psychiatric Nursing Aide I -PRN

JOB SUMMARY:

The PNA-I in Behavioral Health works in partnership with licensed nurses to support the delivery of care in a safe patient environment that promotes caring and healing. The PNA-I demonstrate basic knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and conduct delegated tasks for age specific populations under the supervision of a licensed nurse. He/she works as a valued member of the professional team to provide verbal and supportive movement to meet individualized goals of the treatment team, records data as directed by policy and procedure, and reports observations, and patient concerns to the licensed nurse. The PNA-I is responsible to the Unit Manager and the Charge Nurse for the safe, effective, performance of direct non-nursing patient care duties.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/CRITICAL TASKS:

• Acknowledges that this work involves providing personal health services (assist with eating, drinking, bathing, mobility, and other care) and every 15-minute monitoring and documenting behaviors.
• Assists other nursing staff to provide therapeutic environment to promote living and social skills of all persons with mental illness that enhance their quality of life.
• Develops the ability to document progress notes and complete other medical record forms under the direction of a PNA Preceptor or Charge Nurse.
• Develops the skill of handing off pertinent patient information to a PNA relieving them of their assignment.
• Will assist experienced PNAs in the inventory process for patient belongings as directed the Charge Nurse.
• Develops the skill to maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment by following appropriate safety, infection control and patient care policies. Participates in tasks related to environment and equipment use, (including use, cleaning, and storage) according to unit and hospital policy. Appropriately utilizes and charges for supplies used in patient care. Assists with cost effective care by ensuring appropriate use of supplies with minimal waste.
• Demonstrates the ability to obtain vital signs, develops recognition of abnormal findings, reports findings to the licensed nurse, and records them as directed.
• Recognize observable physical signs of distress and report them to a licensed nurse.
• Works assigned 12-hour shift rotation with holidays and weekends as assigned.
• Accepts that the duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change.
• Completions Annual Mandatory Training, SAMA training, TB testing, and required licensure and certifications before expiration date.
• Responds to Behavioral Health Emergencies, as assigned.
• Demonstrates protective and assisting SAMA skills and takes advantage of the Debriefing Process to improve skills.
• Using the appropriate Chain of Command, the PNA-I begins to identify and report unsafe practices that could cause harm to patients.
• Other duties, as assigned with appropriate training.

ACCOMPANYING KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:

• Competent to use patient care related machines and equipment.
• Active listening skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time
• Demonstrate good teamwork. Basic computer skills required

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum two years of care for psychiatric patients.

REQUIRED LICENSES/ CERTIFICATION:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain current SAMA certification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current BLS certification.
• Required to maintain competency in the patient safety functions related to their position and unit.