Training for psychiatric aides may be found in vocational schools, community colleges, nursing care facilities, and even some high schools. This is an entry-level position and therefore requires minimal formal training. Some employers provide formal training while others provide on-the-job training.
Psychiatric aides should be emotionally stable, patient, compassionate individuals. The emotional demands of the job are high and the pay is relatively low. The hours may include night and weekend work. Psychiatric residents sometimes display antisocial behavior such as verbal abuse and even violence, which psychiatric aides must be prepared to endure with an understanding attitude. But the job can also be very rewarding, as many people find caring for these vulnerable people to be emotionally satisfying.
