A psychiatric assistant is a mental health professional with more responsibilities than an orderly but fewer than a doctor. Patients in institutional settings, such as mental health hospitals and group homes, are cared for and monitored psychiatric assistants. They can give medication or therapy, but they can’t usually write prescriptions.
Psychiatric assistants allow mental health facilities to provide care to patients who are unable to care for themselves. Workers in this position assist patients with mobility and directional issues as they navigate their facilities. They provide daily care and instruction in basic life skills like bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating.
These workers, who are also known as psychiatric aides, psychiatric nursing assistants, or mental health assistants, may interact with patients and provide recreational or educational activities. Playing sports, board games, or cards with patients, accompanying them on field trips, and watching TV with them are just a few examples. Patient group therapy sessions may also be conducted these mental health specialists.
A psychiatric assistant must be prepared in the event of a crisis or an emergency. Because they may be called upon to physically restrain patients with severe mental illnesses, people in this profession require a basic level of strength and physical fitness. In addition, a psychiatric assistant must be able to intervene in patient crises, monitor patient behavior for signs of problems, and ensure patient safety.
A psychiatric assistant may administer medication under the supervision of a doctor, psychiatrist, or other mental health specialist. He or she must also keep track of the patients’ progress, recording and reporting data to the doctors. Although psychiatric assistants can evaluate this information and report their findings to doctors, they usually do not have the authority to make treatment decisions for patients on their own.
This job may entail a variety of unpleasant tasks, such as changing bedpans, incontinence garments, or dirty linens. Psychiatric assistant jobs often require workers to stand for long periods of time and work very long shifts. Injuries and minor and major diseases are common among those in this position. Preventing work-related health problems can be as simple as regular testing and vaccination.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to work as a psychiatric assistant, and a college degree may be required. Educational requirements may differ depending on the job’s specific scope as well as regional and local regulations. In some cases, workers may be required to complete formal training and earn a certificate in this field. When compared to the demand for nursing aides and attendants, psychiatric assistants are in short supply. These mental health professionals, on the other hand, tend to earn slightly more than workers in traditional medical facilities.