Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

31d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse I (Staff Nurse) performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) nursing work at a competent level in the state hospital under the supervision of the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager (Nurse II/III). Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients nursing care needs using specialized skills in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Identifies nursing diagnoses or problem lists and formulates an initial plan of care based on assessment data. Establishes unit routines and develops and maintains the therapeutic milieu. Makes observations of patient behavior and status and reports to the psychiatrist, other recovery team members, and supervising nurse, as appropriate. Carries out nursing interventions as identified in the multidisciplinary recovery plan. Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration and controlled drug records according to facility policy. Trains other staff members as necessary, or as requested. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Requirements

• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures
• Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs
• Knowledge community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients
• Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software
• Ability to provide patient care.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Or
• Issued a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision awaiting license issue.
• If transporting patients, 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 driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.
• Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status, and documents in the medical record or reports, as needed, to other team members, including the attending psychiatrist.
• Develops or contributes to the development of the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with other recovery team members, based on data obtained from the assessment.
• Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families in order to meet patient/family needs.
• Utilizes one-to-one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.
• Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.
• Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu assuring a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.
• Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees