Nurse l

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • El Paso, TX

1d • $5,747 - $6,779 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse I (Staff Nurse) performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) nursing work at a competent level in a state hospital under the supervision of a Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager (Nurse II/III). The role conducts comprehensive assessments of patients’ nursing care needs in an inpatient psychiatric setting, identifies nursing diagnoses or problems, and develops or contributes to initial and individualized recovery plans. The nurse establishes unit routines and maintains a therapeutic milieu, observes and reports patients’ behavior and status, carries out nursing interventions, administers ordered medications and treatments, and maintains medication and controlled-drug records. The nurse also trains other staff as needed and works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position is based at El Paso Psychiatric Center in El Paso, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. The schedule is listed as regular night and weekend shift, with possible shift scheduling changes, rotating or extended shifts, overtime, and additional pay eligibility for evening, night, or weekend work. Travel may be up to 5%. The role may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require an alternate shift or work location.

HHSC describes its psychiatric hospitals as providing specialized, recovery-oriented, science-based forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care. Employees are expected to comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures. Applicants must pass the stated pre-employment checks; employees who transport patients must meet the specified driver-license requirements.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or a four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas or in a Nurse Licensure Compact party state that recognizes reciprocity, or a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision while awaiting license issuance.
• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures.
• Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs.
• Knowledge of 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 orally and in writing.
• If transporting patients, possession of a valid Texas driver license or obtaining one within 90 days after hire; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug-screen, and specified registry checks.
• Be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and follow assigned shift schedules, which may include rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime.
• Assess patients’ physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social nursing care needs comprehensively.
• Observe and analyze patient behavior and status, document findings in medical records, and report information to recovery team members, including the attending psychiatrist.
• Develop or contribute to individualized recovery plans in collaboration with recovery team members, based on assessment data.
• Provide individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families.
• Use one-to-one counseling skills to help patients identify anxiety and develop coping strategies.
• Initiate and implement population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care.
• Administer physician-ordered medications and treatments and maintain medication administration and controlled-drug records according to facility policy.
• Establish and monitor a safe, therapeutic milieu for patients.
• Train other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiate and monitor appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to protect patient and staff safety.
• Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when required; this may involve an alternate shift or location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed in evenings, nights, and/or weekends

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level