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

Work Environment
Psychiatric aides/technicians work in a wide variety of settings including mental hospitals, community hospitals, county and state mental health centers, psychiatric clinics, schools for the mentally retarded, social service agencies, nursing homes, adolescent centers, and halfway houses. 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.

Advancement
Psychiatric aides can advance to technician by obtaining additional education and/or experience.