Nurse II - Direct Care RN

Career Opportunities: Nurse II - Direct Care RN (14776) Posting ID 14776 – posted by Health & Human Services Comm, Unit 1 - Nursing, Healthcare Practitioners and Technical, Lubbock State Supported Living Center. Not Eligible for Telework. Additional shifts available (2). Salary range: $6,579.41 - $7,761.50 per month. Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, and numerous opportunities for career advancement. Visit the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage for more details. Brief Job Description This position is available for Morning, Evening, and Night shifts at multiple homes. It may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends. The State Supported Living Centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus‑based direct services and supports at 13 locations throughout the state. If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career filled with purpose, this is the job for you! Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access are available for all nurses. Job Functions The Direct Care RN performs routine level nursing work, including assessment, care, and treatment of individuals who reside in a State Supported Living Center (SSLC) setting. Responsibilities include evaluating, treating, and documenting healthcare needs, communicating with direct care staff, physicians, administration, and other nursing staff to ensure optimal care, and keeping accurate records in the electronic health record or paper chart. Assists with services provided by LVNs and Certified Medication Aides (CMA), participates in facility quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives, provides treatment to HHSC employees injured in the course and scope of employment, and responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals and staff. Works under moderate supervision of the Nurse Manager or Nursing Operations Officer and has limited latitude for independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Attends work on a regular basis, may be required to work specific shift schedules, rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy; performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on‑call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility. Performs routine nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, SSLC, and state regulations, such as tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments. Collects specimens for laboratory examination and conducts appropriate screening tests when requested by lab personnel. Administers medications, immunizations, and treatments; observes patients for unusual symptoms and reactions; makes rounds and/or home visits as needed and works in other SSLC locations as required. Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, feedings, and vital signs; monitors for signs and symptoms of illness and uses appropriate nursing judgment to provide adequate care, including initiating acute care plans. Assists in evaluating nursing intervention outcomes and provides input to other members of the healthcare team, including recommendations for improvements. Instructs direct support professionals on monitoring individuals after a treatment or procedure using instruction sheets such as those used for post‑sedation monitoring of signs and symptoms. Timely and accurately documents and reports pertinent treatments and observations in the medical record (electronic health record or paper chart) in accordance with SSLC procedures and protocols; prepares reports as required. Assists with services provided by LVNs and/or Certified Medication Aides (CMA), as needed, and makes recommendations for improvements, including acclimating them to the individuals, their needs, and preferences. Assists LVNs with implementation of protocols, procedures, and programs to improve overall health and safety of staff and individuals; assists with completion of follow‑up assessments, guidelines, acute care plan interventions, injury reports, restraints, and medication variances. Provides support to the Nurse Manager, reviewing and following up on controlled drug counts, medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls. Assists the Infection Control nurse by implementing measures that prevent the spread of disease; assists the Quality Assurance Nurse in implementing therapeutic nursing programs; participates in facility Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement initiatives. Responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals; follows safety and infection control procedures of the SSLC; provides educational and safety training to SSLC staff upon request; provides treatment to HHSC employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment programs; and of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to the State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge. Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement, and the Healthcare Guidelines or ability to quickly gain the knowledge. Skill in the care and treatment of patients. Skill in the use of computer software and an electronic health record system. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications. Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; and to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment. Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment. Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members. Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff. Ability to provide support and coaching to LVNs, CMAs, and DSPs. Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership, including on‑call administrators. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact). Initial Screening Criteria Work experience as a practicing registered nurse is required. At least six (6) months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility is preferred. Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Additional Information Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state‑operated facility. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr