Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

13d • $6,579 - $7,762 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse II works on the Maximum Security Unit at San Antonio State Hospital and provides nursing care to patients in a psychiatric hospital setting. Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager, the Nurse II observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, evaluates outcomes, and documents patient care. The role provides primary management of the service area during the assigned shift, coordinates staffing and patient care, supervises and evaluates nursing staff, and collaborates with other nursing and mental health staff to maintain continuity of care. The Nurse II may assume the Nurse Coordinator’s duties during an absence and provides direct patient care as needed.

The position works 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m.; schedules may include rotating or extended shifts and overtime. Duties, work location, and shift pattern may change to meet hospital needs. The role may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and may require participation in disaster response or Continuity of Operations activities, including work at an alternate shift or location. The position is not eligible for telework and may qualify for additional pay for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security work.

Requirements

• Graduation from a nursing program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• At least six months of experience as a practicing registered nurse.
• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards, departmental policies and procedures, and the Nurse Practice Act.
• Skills in supervisory and management techniques.
• Ability to perform CPR, agency-approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• Ability to interact positively with patients, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; out-of-state license holders must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and applicable registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
• Must bring I-9 documentation on the first day of work and meet employment eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess, plan, intervene, evaluate outcomes, and document all aspects of patient care.
• Assess patients’ health and mental status upon admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis, documenting findings and planning therapeutic nursing care.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Direct and coordinate staffing and patient care activities on assigned units; address performance problems and document interventions.
• Facilitate admissions and transfers by communicating with admissions and unit staff, reviewing documentation, and triaging patients when needed.
• Carry out medical staff orders and implement nursing interventions in accordance with nursing standards and hospital policies.
• Meet with unit nursing staff to provide and disseminate information.
• Provide and document individual and group patient teaching about medications, illness, and special treatments, adapting methods to patients’ age groups and cognitive levels.
• Implement ordered precautions and restraint or seclusion procedures according to policy and nursing standards; explain and document rights restrictions and protect patient safety and rights.
• Participate in abuse and neglect processes, monitor and implement Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), and follow applicable protocols and policies.
• Participate as the nursing representative on performance improvement teams.
• Coordinate and administer effective use of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Attend mandatory training, in-service education, and other programs appropriate to the patient population.
• Supervise, counsel, and evaluate nursing staff and provide proactive management of the assigned service area during the shift.
• Collaborate with the Nurse Coordinator, other Nurse Managers, and MH Supervisor/Specialist to support 24-hour continuity of care.
• Assume Nurse Coordinator duties during the Coordinator’s absence and provide direct nursing care as needed.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
• 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
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed in the evenings, nights, and/or weekends
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed