Psychiatric Nursing Aide (HSC/HS 5)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional: 

• Monitors patients to detect unusual behavior, and reports observations to professional staff. 
• Provides mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients with routine physical, emotional, psychological or rehabilitation care. 
• Records and maintains records of patient condition and activity, including vital signs, eating habits, and behavior. 
• Works as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and social workers. 
• Organizes, supervises, and encourages patient participation in social, educational, and recreational activities. 
• Performs nursing duties such as administering medications, measuring vital signs, collecting specimens and drawing blood samples. 
• Serves meals, and feeds patients needing assistance or persuasion. 
• Restrains or aids patients as necessary to prevent injury. 
• Interviews patients upon admission and records information. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and effective disorders; 
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions; 
• Knowledge or relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection, data, property, and institutions; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; 
• Good ethical conduct; 
• Good decision-making skills; 
• Calm, patient and caring; 
• Computer literate.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Formal training and certification in the field from a recognized institution;
• Courses in social and biological sciences is beneficial; 
• Training in Phlebotomy; 
• Two (2) years’ experience working in a medical institution that caters for Mental Health patients. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Physically and emotionally demanding. 
• Stand for long hours and may have to move or lift patients. 
• Must deal with disoriented, disturbed or even violent patients. 
• Exposure to high risk environment within Correctional Facilities and their environs. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.