Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The 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. 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). This role involves conducting comprehensive assessments of patients' nursing care needs using specialized skills in an inpatient psychiatric setting, identifying nursing diagnoses, and formulating initial plans of care. The Nurse I establishes unit routines, maintains a therapeutic milieu, observes and reports patient behavior and status to the recovery team, and carries out nursing interventions. Responsibilities also include administering medications, maintaining accurate records, and training other staff members as needed. The position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.