Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

6d • $6,579 - $7,762 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse II works at the Terrell Center for Youth within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager, the nurse observes, assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents patient care. The position provides proactive management of the assigned service area during the assigned shift, may coordinate scheduling, and supervises, counsels, and evaluates nursing staff. It collaborates with nursing and mental health staff to maintain continuity of care and assumes the Nurse Coordinator’s duties during that person’s absence. The nurse also provides direct care as needed and exercises initiative and independent judgment. Duties, location, and shift may change to meet hospital needs; work may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

The role includes assessing patients’ health and mental status, coordinating staffing and patient care, supporting admissions and transfers, carrying out medical orders and nursing interventions, teaching patients, and implementing safety precautions and restraint or seclusion procedures in accordance with policy and nursing standards. The nurse helps protect patient rights and safety, participates in abuse and neglect processes and performance improvement activities, and attends required training. Other duties may include supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at a different location or on an alternate shift.

The position is full-time, based at the Terrell Center for Youth in Terrell, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. The listed salary range is $6,579.41–$7,761.50 per month. The role is primarily listed as day shift, though evenings, nights, weekends, rotating schedules, overtime, and extended hours may be required. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, and weekend work. Travel may be up to 10%.

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 recognizing 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 during medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• Skills in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
• Must be at least 21 years old to be considered for employment at the Terrell Center for Youth.
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations.
• Flexibility in work hours; overtime or extended hours may be required.
• If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; 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.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ health and mental status upon admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis; document assessments, plans, interventions, and evaluations in patient records.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques safely and correctly according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Direct and coordinate staffing and patient-care activities on assigned units in consultation with nurse administrators and staff nurses; address performance problems and document interventions.
• Facilitate patient admissions and transfers by communicating with admissions and unit staff, reviewing documentation, confirming appropriate status, and triaging patients when needed.
• Carry out medical staff orders and implement nursing interventions consistent with nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures.
• Meet with unit nursing staff to communicate and disseminate information.
• Provide and document individual and group patient teaching regarding medications, illnesses, and special treatments, adapting teaching to patients’ age groups and cognitive levels.
• Implement ordered precautions; explain and document rights restrictions; follow restraint and seclusion procedures to maintain safety and uphold patient rights.
• Participate in client abuse and neglect processes, assure patient safety and needs, and monitor and implement Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS).
• Follow established protocols, policies, and procedures; participate as the nursing representative on performance improvement teams.
• Coordinate and administer effective use of nursing personnel on assigned units.
• Attend mandatory training, in-service education, and other training appropriate to the patient population and its physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs.
• Provide proactive management of the assigned service area during the assigned shift and supervise, counsel, and evaluate nursing staff.
• Collaborate with the Nurse Coordinator, other Nurse Managers, and MH Supervisor/Specialist to support 24-hour continuity of care; assume Nurse Coordinator duties during their absence.
• Provide direct nursing care to individual patients as needed.
• Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activation when assigned.
• Attend work regularly and work assigned, rotating, extended, or overtime schedules as required; perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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