Employee Health Nurse

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$6,579 - $7,762•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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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 (Employee Health Nurse) performs complex (journey-level) nursing work under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive. The Employee Health Nurse is responsible for the promotion of employee health and well-being. Provides all new employees with education and any necessary immunizations. Initiates an employee file for each new employee and sends reminders for follow-up vaccinations. Maintains a database for tracking all employee health information; serves as an active member of the hospital Wellness Committee; organizes an annual health fair; coordinates blood drives; and takes the lead in the promotion of Agency wellness initiatives. The Employee Health Nurse coordinates employee services with general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured or have had an on-the-job exposure. Maintains open communication with the Infection Control Practitioner. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. 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.

Requirements

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
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.
Graduation from an accredited nursing program or from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing.
At least one (1) year of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.
Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, and the role of peer review in the provision of professional nursing.
Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures.
Knowledge of management theory, organizational planning, plan deployment, and improving organizational performance.
Knowledge of the Recovery Model of Care.
Knowledge of professional nursing Standards including CPR.
Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of infection control practices and procedures including immunizations.
Knowledge of workers compensation policies and procedures.
Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software.
Skills in administering restraint and seclusion.
Strong coaching skills
Ability to provide patient care.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to organize and communicate information both orally and in writing.
Ability to interpret and explain standards and regulations.
Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others.
Ability to create and evaluate training objectives, requirements, and effectiveness of delivery.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Ability to intervene therapeutically with patients experiencing psychiatric disorders (delusions, hallucinations, suicidal/homicidal ideation)
Ability to perform CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, use the AED, provide First Aid
Ability to provide patient/family education regarding medications, disease processes, and health maintenance/promotion.
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. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with employee health issues preferred.
Experience administering immunizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides all new employees with education and immunizations regarding the Hepatitis Series, Td/Tdap, and influenza, and completes a tuberculin screening test.
Initiates a file for each new employee in order to record immunizations and send reminders for subsequent Hep B injections, annual flu vaccine/declination, and annual TST screening.
Maintains a database for tracking all employee information to be reported to the Infection Control Practitioner, as required by the Agency.
Participates in the promotion of employee health and well-being by organizing an annual on-site health fair, coordinating blood drives, takes lead in the promotion of Agency wellness initiatives, and serves as an active member of the Hospital Wellness committee.
Facilitates employee access to general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured on the job.
Performs a systematic assessment of the injury and documents findings; completes, receives, reviews, and files employee injury reports; reviews the employees file to ensure vaccinations are current.
Works collaboratively with Risk Management to provide consultation as it relates to employees who have been injured on the job to decrease worker’s compensation costs.
Coordinates employee services with general medical services and risk management when staff have had an occupational exposure on the job.
Follows up on all occupational exposures; providing education and support and initiates supportive documentation according to HHSC, CDC, and hospital policies and procedures.
Maintains open communication with the Infection Control Practitioner as it relates to such an exposure.
Coordinates with the lab to arrange appointments for initial and subsequent lab studies.
Submits quarterly infection control reports to the Infection Control Practitioner.
Maintains a clean therapeutic treatment environment.
Ensures mothers room is clean and uncluttered, and the refrigerator’s temperature is maintained as per policy; the medication refrigerator temperature is maintained as per policy and is clean with no food items stored with medication; all drugs are labeled and stored as per policy; all staff refrigerators are clean with items labeled as per policy; The Joint Commissions standards are followed regarding items stored.
Assists the Nurse Educator with competency development for tuberculin skin testing during new nurse orientation.
Demonstrates own competence in performing the TST.
Provides cross departmental coverage for general medical services LVN when the need arises.
Demonstrates competency in services provided during coverage period.
Works closely with general medical services to follow up on any recall notices related to medical equipment and supplies.
Ensures any recalled supplies or equipment are promptly removed from service.
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.