Nursing Assistant, PRN Psych

Join Livingston Regional Hospital, a 114-bed, community hospital certified for sepsis care by the Joint Commission and accredited for chest pain by the American College of Cardiology. As part of the ScionHealth network, Livingston Regional proudly delivers quality care covering all aspects of healthcare, from 24-hour emergency services to inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative, a Level I neonatal nursery, a 16-bed gero-psych unit, and many other specialty services. Livingston serves a five-county area in central Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Grow your career where your work touches your neighbors.

Job Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant – Psych provides supportive care to patients in a behavioral health unit under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Responsibilities include assisting patients with activities of daily living, promoting safety through observation and redirection, supporting therapeutic interventions, and maintaining a secure and respectful environment for psychiatric patients. 

Essential Functions

• Assists patients with personal care, hygiene, ambulation, feeding, and elimination needs
• Supports patients with psychosocial needs under supervision of the RN
• Provides safe patient positioning, transfer, and mobility support
• Documents intake/output, vital signs, weights, and patient behaviors in EMR
• Maintains clean and organized patient rooms and unit environments
• Answers call lights and responds to patient needs promptly and respectfully
• Participates in therapeutic activities, patient observation, and safety checks
• Assists in admission, transfer, and discharge procedures
• Applies and monitors restraints as directed and maintains documentation
• Transports patients to procedures and departments as needed
• Participates in crisis interventions and assists in de-escalation under RN direction
• Communicates effectively with the healthcare team, patients, and families
• Provides post-mortem care and assists in body transport as needed
• Adheres to infection control and safety protocols
• Maintains awareness of patient confidentiality and boundaries

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong communication, observation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in emotionally charged situations
• Basic knowledge of behavioral health conditions and care strategies
• Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Proficient in electronic medical records and basic computer use
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods and lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds
• Committed to safety, professionalism, and quality patient care

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Completion of a Nursing Assistant training course preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CNA certification required if practicing as a Certified Nurse Assistant
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• De-escalation training required (within facility-designated time frame)

Experience

• Minimum of six (6) months experience in an acute care, long-term care, or behavioral health setting preferred