Nursing Assistant vs Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

[divsky]

Hi. I'm currently a pre-nursing student who just recently came out of the Navy and I'm searching for a job. I'm applying for jobs at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for a nursing assistant job and there's two different positions open for this: Nursing Assistant and Psychiatric Nursing Assistant.

I'm just wondering what the differences between these might be. The job descriptions were essentially identical. Would I be doing the same work? Would the setting be any different? Any information would be great. Thanks.

[Tippy-ta-ta]

they are pretty much the same. I think the only diff is that one is certified and the other not (?) I'm not real sure tho. I think that the psych tech may need additional inservice/classes about caring for the psych patients. Where I work is an outpatient mental health clinic and all I really do are VS on all the patients coming in for med checks. I've never worked on the psych floor in a hosp so I really can't tell ya what the actual difference is. But I think they are pretty much the same just that one is a speacialized area.

[pinkiepie_RN]

I think it depends on the acuity and medical stability of the patients in your facility. I work in an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a "mental health worker" and while it is sorta like a CNA, it's not really even close. I take vitals but that's about the only medical type thing that I do. I observe the patients, participate in and direct therapeutic groups, conduct 30 minute rounds and write shift progress notes. I hope this helps!