Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

13d • $6,579 - $7,762 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse II works at San Antonio State Hospital, providing nursing care and coordinating patient-care and staffing activities on assigned units. Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager, the nurse observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, evaluates outcomes, and documents patient care. The position provides primary shift-level management for its service area, supervises and evaluates nursing staff, collaborates with nursing and mental health leadership to support continuity of care, and may assume the Nurse Coordinator’s duties during an absence. Direct nursing care is provided as needed. Duties, work location, and shift or pattern may change to meet hospital needs; the position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

The role supports patients at a state psychiatric hospital offering recovery-oriented, science-based care. Work includes patient assessment and treatment, admissions and transfers, staff coordination, education, safety precautions, and participation in quality improvement and required training. The position may also support disaster response, recovery, or continuity-of-operations activities, potentially at another location or on an alternate shift. The stated shifts are 12 hours, either 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.; unit assignment depends on hospital needs. The role is not eligible for telework and may require travel 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 American Nurses Association nursing standards, departmental policies and procedures, and the Nurse Practice Act.
• Supervisory and management skills.
• 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; handle crises calmly; and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record; an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and 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 provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

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

• Assess patients’ health and mental status at admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis, and document assessments, care planning, interventions, and evaluations.
• Provide direct nursing care as needed and carry out medical staff orders and nursing interventions in accordance with nursing standards and hospital policies.
• Coordinate staffing and patient-care activities on assigned units, address performance issues, and document interventions.
• Facilitate admissions and transfers by coordinating with admissions and unit staff, reviewing documentation, and triaging patients when needed.
• Supervise, counsel, and evaluate nursing staff; disseminate information to unit staff; and coordinate effective use of nursing personnel.
• Collaborate with nursing and mental health leadership to ensure continuity of care and assume Nurse Coordinator duties during the coordinator’s absence.
• Provide and document individual and group patient education about medications, illness, and special treatments, adapting methods to patients’ age and cognitive level.
• Implement ordered precautions and restraint or seclusion procedures, explain and document rights restrictions, protect patient safety and rights, and help prevent harm to patients or others.
• Participate in abuse and neglect processes, monitor and implement Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS), and follow established protocols and policies.
• Represent nursing on performance improvement teams and attend mandatory training, in-service education, and other relevant programs.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques according to American Heart Association specifications and respond to medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• Attend work regularly and accommodate assigned, rotating, extended, or overtime schedules as required by agency policy and hospital needs.
• Participate in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activities as assigned, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.
• 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.
• The position may be eligible for additional pay 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