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Psychiatric Nurses Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Behavioral Health RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.4K/wk

Travel We're looking for Psychiatric Nurses for an immediate travel nurse opening in Des Moines, IA ... Observe and report patient behavioral changes. Assist patients in understanding the nature of ...

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Psychiatric Nurses Assistant information

What is a psychiatric nurses assistant?

Psychiatric nurses assistants are healthcare professionals who support registered nurses and other mental health staff in caring for patients with psychiatric disorders. They assist with daily living activities, monitor patients' behaviors, help with therapeutic activities, and ensure a safe environment in mental health facilities. Their role is vital in providing compassionate care and maintaining the stability and well-being of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric nurses assistant?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Nurses Assistant, you need knowledge of basic patient care, mental health conditions, and completion of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program or relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), de-escalation techniques, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and emotional resilience help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, providing compassionate care, and maintaining a therapeutic environment in mental health settings.

What are some common challenges faced by psychiatric nurses assistants, and how can they be managed?

Psychiatric Nurses Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing patients with unpredictable behavior, handling emotional stress, and maintaining safety in fast-paced environments. Effective communication, teamwork, and regular training in de-escalation techniques are essential for managing these situations. Many facilities also offer support systems, such as debriefing sessions and mentorship, to help assistants cope with the emotional demands of the role. Building strong relationships with both the care team and patients can also make the daily responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Nurses Assistant vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectPsychiatric Nurses AssistantPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredRegistered Nurse (RN) license; additional psychiatric specialization
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilitiesHospitals, mental health units, outpatient clinics
Job RoleAssist with patient care, monitor behavior, support daily activitiesAssess patient needs, develop care plans, administer medication

Psychiatric Nurses Assistants provide essential support in mental health settings, focusing on patient care and daily assistance. Psychiatric Nurses have advanced training, allowing them to assess, plan, and manage patient treatment. Both roles work closely in mental health environments, but the nurse holds more responsibilities and requires licensure.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Psychiatric Nurses Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Psychiatric Nurses Assistant job openings:

Psychiatric Nurses Assistant jobs near you

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I - Geriatric Psychiatry (2JPE) - 50%

Iowa City, IA • On-site

The University Of Iowa
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The University Of Iowaexternal

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist members of the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses.

  • Perform tasks such as establishing therapeutic relationships, documenting patient behavior, maintaining safety, providing personal hygiene, and transporting patients and equipment.

  • Identify potential crisis situations, report to the registered nurse, and intervene as necessary.

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to perform specific tasks to assist members of the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. 

 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Establish therapeutic relationships with patients, families and multi disciplinary team.
  • Participates in planning patient care appropriate for patient's condition and age.
  • Documents patient behavior in a factual, legible manner and identifies material to report to the registered nurse.
  • Maintains patients' safety and security by providing physical care and assistance; follows Standard precaution.
  • Provides supervision of patients during activities. 
    Identifies potential crisis situations, reports to the registered nurse, and intervenes.
  • Perform patient personal hygiene such as bathing, toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming and oral care for patients.
  • Take temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Clean equipment, patient bedside area and nursing unit.
  • Set up rooms for patient admission.
  • Transport patients by bed, cart or wheelchair.
  • Transport equipment, specimens and supplies.
  • Stock and supply patient rooms and Nursing unit.
  • Perform basic CPR as required.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality. 


Aptitudes required in order to perform responsibilities: 

  • Work in an environment with conflicting demands and/or priorities and rushed and/or urgent timelines.
  • Manage multiple assignments and provide quick reaction and immediate response to emergencies.
  • Maintain attention to detail over extended period of time and continually be aware of variations in changing situations.
  • Strong communication skills and a tolerance for an active work environment with potential for negative behavior.
  • Work well with all levels and types of people. 

The University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Geriatric Psychiatry (2 JPE):

John Pappajohn Pavillion (2 JPE) is a 14-bed inpatient unit dedicated to geriatric and adult psychiatric services. This unit patient population includes dementia, depression, anxiety, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Services provided include medication management, assistance with daily activities, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.

Percent of Time: 50%

Schedule: Rotating days of the week. Rotating shifts. Every other weekend. Holiday rotation

Location: John Pappajohn Pavillion (JPP)

Merit Pay Plan: https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/merit-plan

Benefits Highlights:

  • Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.

  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Ability to read, write and follow instructions.

Desirable Qualification: 

  • Experience defusing volatile situations
  • Be a Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Have strong written communication skills with experience providing customer service relations 
  • Previous patient care experience in a Mental Health setting is highly desired.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. For questions related to this posting, please contact Maggie Fraher at maggie-fraher@uiowa.edu. 

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst I
  • Appointment Type: Merit
  • Schedule: Part-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Maggie Fraher
  • Contact Email: maggie-fraher@uiowa.edu

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