Psychiatric Aide

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Psychiatric Aide

• DEBBIE A. MCKNIGHT

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Psychiatric Aide

• Psychiatric aides and technicians are nursing
  aides that work specifically with mental health
  patients in various settings.

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Psychiatric Aide-DUTIES

• They observe and record patient behavior and
  present their findings to counselors, nurses, and
  other professional staff.
• They also assist with feeding, moving, and
  dressing patients.
• In addition, they occasionally perform basic
  nursing skills and obtain patients vital signs.

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Area of Specialization-Psychiatric Aide

• The mentally disadvantages (bipolar etc.,)
• Children
• Elderly
• Adolescent
• Drug Addiction

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WORKING ENVIROMENT

• Usually work 40 hours weeks
• Because patients need care 24 hours a day,
  scheduled work hours may include nights,
  weekends, and holidays.
• Psychiatric aides/technicians spend most of their
  time on their feet.

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WORKING ENVIROMENT

• Psychiatric aides/technicians work in a wide
  variety of settings including
• mental hospitals,
• community hospitals,
• county and state mental health centers,
  psychiatric clinics,

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WORKING ENVIROMENT

• schools for the mentally retarded,
• social service agencies,
• nursing homes,
• adolescent centers,
• and halfway houses

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Length of Training

• Generally, most programs for psychiatric aides
  and technicians require one year of college,
• though there are several community colleges that
  offer a two-year program.
• Psychiatric aides can advance to technician by
  obtaining additional education and/or experience.

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LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• No license is required
• Some programs offer certification upon
  completion.

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Education Programs in the Area

• ACCD-San Antonio College- C/A

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Job Outlook and Salaries

• Job Outlook
• 1/2