Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a
dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and
Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State
Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals
located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in
Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and
complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint
Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-
oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your
contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our
team.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level)
rehabilitative patient care services work 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; interacting with patients
therapeutically; 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. As an integral
member of the recovery team or admissions team, provides verbal and
supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress or
lack thereof, towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Participates in
shift reports and recovery team or admissions meetings. Performs delegated
nursing duties commensurate with competency. May provide guidance and
oversee the assigned tasks of the PNA I and II. Works under general
supervision with, moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent
judgement. Completion of work requires use 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.
This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with
HIPPA regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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

Essential Job Functions:
1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.
2. Uses therapeutic communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients to assist them in meeting the objectives of their individual recovery plans. If working nights, maintains a quiet and restful environment to promote individual’s rest and sleep. If working in admissions, facilitates the admissions process by reassuring the patient as they are evaluated and provided with the required documentation.
3. Provides supportive, age specific care to patients as assigned by the Registered Nurse (RN) or designees(s) and assists patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
4. Monitors patients as assigned and provides observation to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Escorts patients to appointments as required.
5. Serves as a liaison to the recovery team or admissions team, providing on-going, verbal and written communication concerning patient’s progress or lack thereof, to individualized goals and takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients in reaching their goals.
6. Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
7. Assists the licensed nurse in preparing patients for medication administration or treatment. Takes and monitors vital signs and performs other assigned tasks within competency level.
8. Actively promotes safety through the continuous monitoring of the environment and active engagement of patients, to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
9. Provides objective and relevant information to the supervising RN on an ongoing basis concerning the work performance of Psychiatric Nursing Assistant staff to support a more comprehensive performance evaluation and to assist in the identification of training and/or performance opportunities.
10. Assists in facilitating programming offered on unit or at the facility. Co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested and encourages patients to attend.
11. Responds effectively in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations, verbal de-escalation and the application of Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), and other more restrictive interventions under the direct supervision of a RN to avert crisis situations and to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Communicates effectively with other team members to ensure a culture that promotes the least restrictive interventions necessary.
12. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Serves as a preceptor (orientation and on-going training) for new employees (PNA Is and IIs) and temporarily assigned personnel to the unit.
16. Serves on unit and hospital committees and performance improvement workgroups as appointed.
17. Serves as a role model and encourages other PNA staff to demonstrate a commitment to a culture that reduces risk to both patients and staff through support of the hospital’s safety and risk management plans, infection control programs, and restraint and seclusion reduction strategies.
18. Performs other duties as assigned. 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 Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs.
2. Knowledge of basic computer skills.
3. Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills.
4. Skills in taking vital signs.
5. Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
6. Ability to provide patient care, to administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to conduct TIPS.
7. Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
8. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Experience in direct patient care work.
2. Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.

Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.

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, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Must obtain certification in CPR and TIPS if hired.

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. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68X, 4C0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.