State Hospital Nurse Consultant

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. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: State Hospital Nurse Consultant
Job Title: Nurse III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Hospitals Section
Posting Number: 21265
Closing Date: 11/09/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $7,532.75- $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 50%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: CORPUS CHRISTI
Job Location Address: 902 AIRPORT RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Nursing Consultant (Nurse III) reports to the Chief of Nursing for State Hospitals and operates within the scope of a registered nurse. The role involves planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating quality assurance/quality improvement initiatives in line with Joint Commission and Texas State Hospital policies. Responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data to identify clinical issues, evaluating nursing services, and providing improvement recommendations.

The consultant assists with staff education on deficiencies, monitors long-term goals for state hospital nursing departments, and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. Collaborating with leadership, the consultant optimizes staffing, recruitment, and retention efforts, and reviews medical records and assessments to ensure adherence to standards of care. The Nursing Consultant (Nurse III) works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP)activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Provides on-site mentoring and consultation to the state hospitals regarding nurse training, deployment, and retention efforts. The role also involves regular travel to various locations to observe, assess, and support nursing teams and management in person. Travels within Texas to complete duties related to on-site visits entails offering direct guidance and expert advice to state hospitals within the organization on critical areas such as nurse education, effective staffing strategies, and methods to improve nurse retention.

Reviews system data and trends in order to find anomalies and offer assistance to nursing services related to staffing inclusive of recruitment and retention strategies. When a decline in staffing or staffing satisfaction is identified this position will offer assistance which may include management and leadership training, reviewing workflows and processes for efficiencies, looking at staffing patterns, and developing an action plan to improve identified concerns.

Reviews position and deployment data within nursing departments to ensure resources are utilized effectively to provide the best services to patients in the hospital system. This may include reviews of staff to patient ratios, position assignments, staffing patterns, overtime and compensatory time usage, and results of audit findings. When an area of possible improvement is identified, this position will work with the nursing department to identify solutions, implement an action plan, and monitor the impact to resolution.

Evaluates nursing care trends to include timeliness and thoroughness of documentation for nursing care services subsequently providing recommendations for action at the system and facility level. Will work with the QAPI committee, Central Office quality assurance, and discipline leads to integrate nursing services with other supports as needed.

Collaborates with SH nursing education programs to ensure evidenced based practice nursing curriculum is incorporated into education of nurses. Provides trainings as nursing practice evolves to ensure the state hospital system stays current with identified best practices. Will be considered a subject matter expert on nursing services as it relates to direct patient care and documentation. Will provide education to stakeholders and contracted partners as needed. Will be assigned memberships in relevant Governing Body committees and work groups based on system needs and individual strengths. May be assigned to mentor as needed.

Practices professional & prudent nursing education in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and agency/facility policies and procedures. Prepares and provides operational reports and data analysis utilizing various computer software programs such as Tableau, Excel, and others that may be approved and helpful. Will assist with quality assurance processes, including monitoring and evaluating progress towards identified plans of correction. Will routinely participate in the creation of reports for stakeholders, leadership, or legislature utilizing knowledge of patient care practices, familiarity with the Joint Commission standards, and best practices.

Reviews medical records, audit scores, and evaluation tools for designated areas of monitoring. Reviewing includes systematically assessing the quality and accuracy of patient care documentation, program performance, and compliance with established standards. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that patient care meets regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and best practices, while identifying areas for improvement.

Provides assistance establishing and monitoring goals, short and long-range plans for nursing departmental improvements.

Evaluates the educational needs of nurses and ensures compliance with required certifications and licensure checks annually. Will assist facilities in goal planning and action plan implementation. Provides assistance in directing nursing operations to effectively achieve the vision and strategic, financial, and operational goals that have been developed by the nursing department, facility, or state hospital system.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP)activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of state and federal laws for individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Hospital.

Knowledge of the laws and rules of the Texas Board of Nursing.

Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, including the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, and the role of nursing peer review in the provision of both professional nursing and vocational nursing.

Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.

Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines.

Skill and knowledge related to supervising employees.

Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of nursing treatment tools and equipment.

Skill in analyzing problems, formulating and implementing plans of corrections, and to successfully lead change.

Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.

Skill in time management and prioritization.

Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals.

Ability to achieve and maintain collaborative relationships.

Ability to train all levels of staff.

Ability to analyze and develop policies, procedures, and reports.

Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to evaluate services, identify concerns/trends and develop meaningful plans for improvement.

Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities.

Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others.

Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

Proficient in the use of computer/software and knowledge of electronic health care systems

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three (3) years of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners preferred.

Two (2) years of experience working in the state hospital system 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable.

As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

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 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. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

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 on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, 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. Download the I-9 Form

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.