Nurse II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Waco, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? 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. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. The Nurse II observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates outcomes, and documents all aspects of patient care under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager. Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served. May coordinate scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary proactive management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other Nurse Managers, and MH Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. Assumes duties of the Nurse Coordinator during their absence. Is flexible in work schedule. Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Understands that duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. 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 recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act.
Skill in supervisory and management techniques.
Skill and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency.
Skill in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
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.
Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).
Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners is required.
At least six (6) months' experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.

Nice To Haves

At least six (6) months' experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is preferred.
Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates outcomes, and documents all aspects of patient care under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager.
Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served.
May coordinate scheduling within assigned areas.
Provides primary proactive management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner.
Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff.
Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other Nurse Managers, and MH Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care.
Assumes duties of the Nurse Coordinator during their absence.
Is flexible in work schedule.
Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed.
Understands that duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital.
Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
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.
Assesses the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis; documents the assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient records in order to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care; and performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses by addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions.
Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours in order to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff/unit staff in reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status, and triage patients when needed.
Carries out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Meets with unit nursing staff to inform and disseminate information.
Provides and documents individual/group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, special treatment, etc. utilizing appropriate teaching/response methods for various age groups and cognitive levels to facilitate patient learning.
Implements special precautions as ordered, explains and documents rights restrictions, and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Protects the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and upholds patient rights.
Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, ensures patient safety, and meets patient needs; monitors and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) and follows all established protocols, policies, and procedures; participates as the nursing representative in Performance Improvement teams; and coordinates and administers effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
Attends mandatory trainings and participates in ongoing in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.

Benefits

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

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume