PSYCHIATRIC AIDES work under the direction of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers to provide routine nursing and personal care to developmentally disabled, mentally ill, or substance abuse patients. Psychiatric Aides also accompany mental health patients to and from wards to attend medical treatment appointments that develop their potential for self-care and independence.

Psychiatric Aides may also be called Psychiatric Technician Assistants. However, the Psychiatric Aide job title should not be confused with Psychiatric Technicians as the job duties and requirements differ. (See Psychiatric Technicians Guide No. 95.)

The following are the most common general tasks a Psychiatric Aide may perform:

• Assist patients with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Serve meals and feed patients.
• Assist patients in becoming adjusted to hospital routine.
• Accompany patients to medical and dental treatments and to recreational activities.
• Encourage patients to participate in social, educational, and recreational activities.
• Maintain records of patients’ activities, such as vital signs, eating habits, and daily behavior.
• Measure vital signs and collect specimens.
• Monitor patients to ensure patients remain in assigned areas.
• Aid or restrain patients to prevent injuries.

The following skills, knowledge, and abilities are important for Psychiatric Aides:

• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react the way they do.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Weighing the relative costs and benefits of a potential action.
• Active Listening - Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate.
• Oral Expression - Communicating information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem Sensitivity - Recognizing when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
• Tact - Sensing what to do or say to maintain good relationships or to avoid offending others.
• Social Service Interest - Having the desire to help people.

Psychiatric Aides generally work in clean, well-lighted, well-ventilated hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities, or outpatient medical clinics. Working with mentally impaired patients is emotionally demanding and may be stressful, as the workload is often heavy, requiring long periods of standing. Psychiatric Aides may also be exposed to potential hazards from:

• Minor infections and illnesses.
• Lifting that may lead to back injuries.
• Violent outbursts from patients.

However, the risks are reduced when proper safety procedures are followed. Most employers offer safety instructions on the proper procedures for patient lifting and responding to combative outbursts. Also, the potential hazards are offset by the satisfaction gained from serving individuals needing medical assistance.

The following information is from the occupational projections produced by the Employment Development Department’s Labor Market Information Division:

Wages vary widely depending upon experience, ability, type of employer, and geographical location.

The wages for Psychiatric Technician Assistants employed with the State of California in 2001 range from an entry wage of $2,116 to the highest wage of $2,476 per month.

The majority of psychiatric aides work 40 hours per week. However, the need for 24-hour care offers a variety of shifts and flexible work hours such as part-time, evening and weekend hours that are attractive to students and new entrants to the work world.

Benefit packages vary widely; however, State government employers and large hospitals offer sick leave, holidays, vacation, health insurance, and retirement plans.

Generally, employers require a high school diploma and a valid Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate. (Refer to the Licensing and Certification guidelines below.) Experience is preferred but some employers are willing to train on the job.

Ideally, high school preparation courses should include health, mathematics (fractions and the metric system), grammar, science, biology, and psychology.

Psychiatric Aide positions generally require a valid Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services. Nurse Assistant certification requires successful completion of a state approved program; 100 hours of supervised clinical training; 50 hours of classroom training; a passing score on the written federal exam; and a criminal background check.

Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate holders are required to complete 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education and work one day with pay providing nursing care at least every two years to renew certification.

The majority of Psychiatric Aides work in State hospitals and developmental centers, while others work at public and private hospitals, or residential care facilities.

There are opportunities to advance to Psychiatric Technician or other health-related occupations such as Licensed Vocational Nurse or Medical Assistant, upon completing additional formal training and acquiring the appropriate California State license for the occupation.

Community colleges and local training providers offer accredited training programs for Psychiatric Technicians. Completing a State-approved training program and obtaining the required State license enhance promotional opportunities at this level.