Nurse II

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? The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) 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. We welcome your application for the position below. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Assesses the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis; documents the assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient records to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association. Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses, addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions. Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff/unit staff, reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status, and triaging patients when needed. Carries out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures; meets with unit nursing staff to inform and disseminate information. Provides and documents individual/group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, special treatment, etc., utilizing appropriate teaching/response methods for various age groups and cognitive levels to facilitate patient learning. Implements special precautions as ordered, explains and documents rights restrictions, and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, ensures patient safety, and meets patient needs. Monitors and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) and follows all established protocols, policies, and procedures. Participates as the nursing representative in Performance Improvement teams. Coordinates and administers effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units. Attends mandatory trainings and participates in ongoing in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit, including participation in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation with alternate shift patterns and/or location as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures. Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act. Skill in supervisory and management techniques. Skill and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency. Skill in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public. Ability to handle crisis situations calmly. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of licensure. Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact). Initial Screening Criteria Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners is required. At least six (6) months' experience as a practicing registered nurse is required. At least six (6) months' 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and 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 at least 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. All indicated diseases are vaccine preventable; employees not vaccinated for influenza may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans 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 will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. The applicant must bring the required I-9 documentation on the first day of work. Telework Disclaimer This position is not eligible for telework. 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