Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of mental health care, the role of psychiatric nursing assistants has never been more pivotal.

As awareness of mental health issues expands, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can support, care for, and protect those navigating their psychological challenges.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a psychiatric nursing assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of psychiatric nursing assistance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable psychiatric nursing assistant job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatric Nursing Assistants provide support to mental health professionals in psychiatric hospitals or mental health units.

They work closely with patients who have mental health issues, providing care, monitoring their conditions, and helping with daily activities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing personal care for patients, including bathing, dressing, and feeding
• Monitoring and recording patient behavior and reporting any changes or concerns to nursing staff
• Assisting in therapeutic and recreational activities designed to improve patient mental health and wellbeing
• Helping to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, adhering to all health and safety standards
• Transporting patients to and from therapy or treatment sessions
• Administering medication under the direction and supervision of the nursing staff
• Providing emotional support to patients, listening to their concerns and encouraging positive interactions
• Assisting with physical health needs of patients, such as turning or repositioning bedridden patients
• Performing basic housekeeping tasks such as changing bed linens, cleaning rooms, and preparing meals

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Nursing Assistant to join our mental health care team.

The primary role of the Psychiatric Nursing Assistant will be to assist in the care of patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses and Psychiatrists.

This includes helping with basic daily tasks, observing and recording the mental condition of patients, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of mental health disorders, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitor and record patient’s behavior and vital signs
• Participate in therapeutic and recreational activities with patients
• Report any changes in patient’s physical condition or behavior to nursing staff or psychiatrists
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to patients and their families
• Maintain a safe, clean and supportive environment for patients
• Comply with all hospital policies and procedures

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of a state-approved Nursing Assistant training program
• Valid state certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Previous experience in psychiatric care preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Physical stamina to work long hours and meet the physical demands of the job

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
• Work Environment: This position is located in a mental health hospital or clinic. The role requires direct contact with patients and may involve dealing with challenging behaviors and situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Nurse or Psychiatrist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,530 minimum to $40,820 maximum
• 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 Nursing Assistant Do?

Psychiatric Nursing Assistants, also known as Mental Health Technicians or Psychiatric Aides, work in psychiatric hospitals, residential mental health facilities, or outpatient clinics.

They can also be employed in general hospitals where psychiatric patients are treated.

They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or psychiatrist, providing personal care to patients with mental health disorders.

This can include assisting patients with their daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene.

In addition to providing physical care, Psychiatric Nursing Assistants also engage in therapeutic activities with patients.

These may include leading group activities, offering emotional support, and encouraging patients to participate in their treatment programs.

They are often responsible for observing and reporting changes in patients’ behavior and attitudes.

These reports are important for the healthcare team to adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Psychiatric Nursing Assistants may also assist during patient assessments and interventions, provide crisis intervention, and ensure the safety of patients at all times.

In all aspects of their work, they are expected to communicate effectively with patients, family members, and other healthcare professionals, maintaining a high level of empathy and understanding towards the patients’ conditions.

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient psychiatric nursing assistant should possess certain skills and qualifications to perform their job role effectively.

These include:

• Practical knowledge of basic nursing procedures to provide healthcare services to patients under supervision.
• Understanding of psychiatric disorders and conditions, their symptoms, and treatment methods to provide appropriate care.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients, as well as work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills to understand patient needs, share vital information with other healthcare providers, and provide clear instructions to patients.
• Compassion and empathy to care for patients who may be going through emotional or mental distress.
• Observational skills to monitor changes in patients’ behavior and symptoms and report these to the supervising nurse or psychiatrist.
• Resilience and stress management skills to cope with potentially challenging situations and maintain high quality of care.
• Physical endurance to assist patients with daily activities, such as bathing, eating, and exercising.

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Experience Requirements

Psychiatric Nursing Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by state-approved training programs, including theoretical and hands-on experience in psychiatric nursing.

Initial experience is often gained through internships or part-time roles in healthcare facilities where they can work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

These roles provide a platform to learn and understand patient care, medical terminology, mental health disorders, and crisis intervention.

After the training period, gaining at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a mental health setting is often preferred.

This experience can be in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes, where they assist psychiatric patients in daily activities and therapy.

For advanced roles in psychiatric nursing assistance, employers may require more than 3 years of experience.

Such candidates should demonstrate more refined skills in patient care and have a deeper understanding of psychiatric conditions.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be suitable for senior or supervisory roles.

They should display leadership qualities, possess strong communication skills, and have a proven track record of effectively managing patient care and contributing to the treatment of psychiatric patients.

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Psychiatric Nursing Assistants typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

They must also complete a state-approved nursing assistant program, which usually includes both classroom instruction and clinical training.

These programs cover key areas such as mental health disorders, therapeutic communication, patient safety, and personal care skills.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take a competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

After obtaining CNA certification, prospective Psychiatric Nursing Assistants can gain further specialization in psychiatric or mental health care.

This can be accomplished through additional coursework or on-the-job training under the supervision of a registered nurse or psychiatrist.

In some states, Psychiatric Nursing Assistants may need to obtain a special certification in mental health, which may require additional training and passing a state-specific exam.

Many Psychiatric Nursing Assistants opt for continuous learning opportunities to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field of mental health care.

They may also choose to pursue further education to become Psychiatric Nurses.

Lastly, being certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR is often a requirement.

This can be obtained through courses offered by organizations such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

Soft skills such as compassion, patience, and good communication are also crucial for a career as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant.

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salary Expectations

A Psychiatric Nursing Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $31,200 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, certifications, the state in which they work, and the specifics of the individual role within the healthcare system.

 

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant need?

A Psychiatric Nursing Assistant needs to have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and healthcare team members.

They should have a deep understanding of mental health conditions and the related care practices.

Patience, empathy, and resilience are key to deal with challenging patient behavior.

They also need to have good physical stamina as the job often requires moving and assisting patients.

 

Do Psychiatric Nursing Assistants need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, most Psychiatric Nursing Assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

They usually undergo on-the-job training or complete a certificate program in psychiatric or mental health technology.

They may also be required to obtain a state certification depending on where they intend to work.

 

What should you look for in a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant’s resume?

When looking at a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant’s resume, you should firstly check their educational background and any certifications they might have.

Look for experience working in mental health settings or related healthcare experience.

Key skills like patient care, communication, empathy, resilience, and physical stamina should be highlighted.

Any specialized training in crisis intervention, patient safety, or therapeutic communication is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Psychiatric Nursing Assistant?

A good Psychiatric Nursing Assistant is compassionate, empathetic, and patient, which allows them to build a trusting relationship with the patients.

They need to be resilient and emotionally stable, as they often deal with challenging situations.

Good observation skills are crucial for monitoring patient’s physical and emotional condition, and they should have the ability to work well in a team, as they often coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant?

Hiring a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant can be challenging due to the specific nature of the job.

It requires candidates who are not only trained in patient care but also have an understanding of mental health and the ability to cope with potentially stressful situations.

Offering competitive salaries, continuous training, and a supportive working environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the realities of being a psychiatric nursing assistant.

And you know what?

It’s not just about administering medications and monitoring vitals.

It’s about sculpting a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our go-to psychiatric nursing assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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