Psychiatric Aides

What Does a Psychiatric Aides Do?

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.
• 2Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.
• 3Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
• 4Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.
• 5Work as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, or social workers.
• 6Record and maintain patient information, such as vital signs, eating habits, behavior, progress notes, treatments, or discharge plans.
• 7Maintain patients' restrictions to assigned areas.
• 8Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.

Required Skills

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Email software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Patient management software

Psychiatric Aides Salary