As in the past, job prospects for aides will be tied almost exclusively to the outlook for public and private mental hospitals. Demand for inpatient psychiatric care may rise in the years ahead because of demographic factors. Demand for inpatient care in private psychiatric facilities is likely to grow somewhat, however, for several reasons. While most openings for psychiatric aides are likely to occur in hospitals, additional opportunities will be available in such settings as community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, halfway houses, and outpatient psychiatric clinics. In both occupations, replacement needs will constitute the major source of openings.
Turnover is high, a reflection of relatively low skill requirements and low pay.
Attendants in hospitals and similar institutions generally receive at least 1 week's paid vacation after 1 year of service. Paid holidays and sick leave, hospital and medical benefits, extra pay for late-shift work, and pension plans also are available to many hospital employees. Related Occupations Nursing aides and psychiatric aides help with the care and treatment of people who are sick, disabled, or infirm. They may move and assemble heavy equipment and perform housekeeping chores. Workers with similar duties include homemaker-home health aides, mental health technicians, childcare attendants, companions, occupational therapy aides, physical therapy aides, caretakers, and central supply workers.