Nurse II

We are seeking a dedicated Nurse II to provide high‑quality psychiatric nursing care at Big Spring State Hospital. The role involves direct patient care, supervision of nursing staff, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in a 24‑hour environment. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager, observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates outcomes, documenting all aspects of patient care. Possesses specialized knowledge of the psychiatric patient population, coordinating scheduling and providing proactive management of the service area during assigned shifts. Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff, ensuring continuity of care in collaboration with Nurse Coordinators, other Nurse Managers, and the MH Supervisor/Specialist. Assumes duties of the Nurse Coordinator during absences, maintaining flexible scheduling and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed, with readiness for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Performs additional duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, continuity of operations, and other agency obligations. Attends mandatory trainings and participates in ongoing in‑service education to meet the needs of patients across diverse age groups and cognitive levels. Performs any other duties that may be assigned by the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager. Essential Job Functions Attends work regularly, following scheduled shifts, rotating schedules, and overtime as per agency leave policy. Assesses the health/mental status of patients upon admission and transfer, documenting assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in the patient record. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques safely per American Heart Association specifications. Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units, addressing performance problems promptly and maintaining accurate documentation. Facilitates smooth admissions and transfers, communicating with admissions staff and reviewing documentation to ensure appropriate triage. Carries out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to standards and hospital policies. Provides individual and group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, and treatment, using appropriate methods for various age and cognitive levels. Implements special precautions, restraints, and seclusion procedures per policy, ensuring patient safety and rights. Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, monitors patient needs, and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS). Participates as the nursing representative in performance improvement teams and coordinates utilization of nursing personnel on assigned units. Attends mandatory trainings and ongoing in‑service and education programs appropriate to the patient population. Performs any other duties assigned by the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of American Nurses Association Nursing Standards. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act. Proficiency in supervisory and management techniques. Ability to perform CPR, agency‑approved aggression management, restraint techniques, and emergency care in medical or psychiatric emergencies. Skill in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public. Ability to handle crisis situations calmly. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Licensure Requirements Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact). Requirements Graduation from a nursing program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. At least six (6) months of experience as a practicing registered nurse. At least six (6) months of experience in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility (preferred). Bachelor's degree preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Health and Human Services