Psychiatric Aide CNA Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of mental health care, the role of psychiatric aide CNAs remains pivotal.

As our understanding of mental health advances, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can provide quality care and support to patients increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a psychiatric aide CNA?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the daily operations of a psychiatric aide CNA,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable psychiatric aide CNA job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Psychiatric Aide CNA Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatric Aide Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in the mental health sector.

They work under the supervision of mental health professionals, providing care and support to patients with psychiatric disorders.

Their responsibilities are focused on assisting patients with daily activities and observing their behavior to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.

The core duties and responsibilities of a Psychiatric Aide CNA include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure
• Observing patients’ behavior, reporting any changes or concerns to medical professionals
• Participating in therapeutic and recreational activities with patients
• Assisting with physical restraints or seclusion procedures as directed, ensuring patients’ safety at all times
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment by cleaning rooms and changing bed linens
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients
• Documenting patients’ behavior and progress in their medical records

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Aide CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) to join our mental health care team.

The Psychiatric Aide CNA will be responsible for providing basic care to patients with mental health disorders or developmental disabilities under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or psychiatrist.

Our ideal candidate has a strong dedication to providing quality mental health care, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is able to handle stressful situations with sensitivity and professionalism.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of care plans for patients
• Monitor patient health and behavior, and report any changes to medical staff
• Assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and maintaining hygiene
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Help with therapeutic and recreational activities
• Ensure safety and well-being of patients
• Administer medication under supervision
• Maintain patient records and document care provided

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a state-approved CNA certification course
• Previous experience in psychiatric or mental health settings preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure in crisis
• Physical endurance to manage moving and lifting patients when necessary
• Must pass a background check and drug screening

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Psychiatric Aide CNA
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a psychiatric care facility. It may involve working in high-stress situations and dealing with potentially aggressive patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Registered Nurse or Psychiatrist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Psychiatric Aide CNA Do?

Psychiatric Aide CNAs, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants, often work in mental health facilities, hospitals, or residential care settings.

Their role primarily involves assisting patients with mental health disorders or emotional problems.

They work under the guidance of psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses, providing basic care to patients.

This includes helping with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Psychiatric Aide CNAs are also responsible for observing and recording patient behavior, which is critical in helping medical professionals diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

They monitor vital signs, administer medication under supervision, and assist with therapeutic activities and exercises.

Often, these professionals are the first point of contact for patients and spend a lot of time interacting with them.

Therefore, they provide emotional support, helping patients feel comfortable and secure in their environment.

Psychiatric Aide CNAs also ensure the safety and cleanliness of the patient’s environment, assist with routine checks, and report any significant changes in a patient’s behavior, health, or emotional state to the medical team.

In addition to their medical responsibilities, Psychiatric Aide CNAs often assist with administrative tasks such as managing patient records and coordinating appointments.

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Psychiatric Aide CNA should possess an array of skills and qualifications suited to the nature of the role, including:

• Compassion and empathy, to connect and provide care to patients who may be dealing with emotional or mental distress.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
• Physical stamina to assist patients with physical activities or restrain them if they become physically aggressive.
• Ability to monitor and record patient behavior and report any noticeable changes to the medical staff.
• Patient assistance skills to help patients with daily activities like eating, bathing, and grooming.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Knowledge of basic medical procedures like taking vital signs and administering medication under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor.
• Understanding of psychiatric disorders and treatments, to better assist patients and to communicate effectively with the healthcare team.

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Experience Requirements

Psychiatric Aide CNAs usually require certification from a state-approved nursing assistant program, where they gain valuable theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the mental health field.

These programs often include modules on basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, and mental health principles.

Entry-level Psychiatric Aide CNAs may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in mental healthcare settings.

They can gain hands-on experience in roles such as Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant, or other healthcare-related roles.

Those with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their patient care skills, communications skills, and knowledge about mental health disorders in entry-level Psychiatric Aide or CNA roles.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience and may be ready for a charge nurse or team leader role in a mental health facility.

In addition to job experience, it is crucial for a Psychiatric Aide CNA to have strong emotional resilience, as the job can often be demanding and stressful.

In addition, they should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they are often required to interact with patients and their families, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Education and Training Requirements

Psychiatric Aide CNAs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a state-approved training program in psychiatric or mental health technology.

These programs usually cover areas such as mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, and patient care.

In addition to the formal education, they are also required to have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, which involves completing a state-approved education program and passing a competency exam.

To become a Psychiatric Aide, CNAs need to complete additional training in behavioral health, typically requiring a few weeks to a few months of on-the-job training under the supervision of a medical professional.

Many employers prefer candidates who have previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly those who have worked with patients with mental health disorders.

Like other healthcare professionals, Psychiatric Aide CNAs are also required to maintain their certification through periodic continuing education.

Although not necessary, some Psychiatric Aide CNAs may choose to pursue an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in psychiatric or mental health technology to enhance their knowledge and skills.

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Salary Expectations

A Psychiatric Aide CNA can expect to earn an average salary of $29,660 (USD) per year.

However, the salary may vary based on factors such as experience, level of education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility.

 

Psychiatric Aide CNA Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Psychiatric Aide CNA need?

Psychiatric Aide CNAs need to have strong communication skills, as they will be interacting with patients, doctors, and other nurses regularly.

They also need to have empathy, patience, and the ability to work under stress as they will be dealing with mentally ill patients who may be unpredictable or difficult to manage.

Other skills include attention to detail, physical stamina, and medical knowledge, particularly in the field of mental health.

 

What qualifications does a Psychiatric Aide CNA need?

To become a Psychiatric Aide CNA, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program.

They also need to pass a competency exam to become certified.

To specialize in psychiatric care, additional training or experience in mental health is typically required.

 

What are the daily duties of a Psychiatric Aide CNA?

A Psychiatric Aide CNA’s daily duties involve providing basic care to patients with mental illnesses.

This can include monitoring patient behavior, helping patients with daily activities such as eating, bathing, or dressing, recording patient vital signs, and reporting changes in a patient’s condition to nurses or doctors.

They may also assist with group activities or therapy sessions and provide emotional support to patients.

 

What qualities make a good Psychiatric Aide CNA?

A good Psychiatric Aide CNA is compassionate and understanding, as they work with individuals who are dealing with mental illnesses.

They should have excellent communication skills to interact effectively with patients and medical staff.

They need to be observant and detail-oriented to monitor and report changes in patients’ conditions.

They also need to have physical stamina as the job can be physically demanding.

 

Is it difficult to hire Psychiatric Aide CNAs?

Hiring Psychiatric Aide CNAs can be a challenge because it requires individuals who are not only certified but also have a certain level of emotional resilience and strength.

The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, which can limit the pool of suitable candidates.

Therefore, it is crucial to offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for career growth and development to attract and retain good candidates.

 

Conclusion

Well, there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into what it truly means to be a Psychiatric Aide CNA.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing basic patient care.

It’s about shaping the future of mental health care, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Psychiatric Aide CNA job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ally in creating ultra-precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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