Nurse III / Nurse Educator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Waco, TX

48d • 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 Educator performs advanced professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse. Works under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Nursing Education Program at the State Hospital (SH). Orients all newly hired nurses and assists in the orientation of student nurses. Evaluates and tests the competency skills and knowledge of all new and incumbent nursing staff. Coordinates and develops systems to ensure nursing education/competency is provided for all nurses. Assists the Nursing Coordinator and the state-office work group in writing and revising the nursing guidelines. Promotes and initiates professional, legal, and ethical nursing practice at the SH. Makes varied decisions based on broad principles and guidelines. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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

• Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system or ability to quickly gain the knowledge.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to SHs or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of computers, software, and an electronic health record system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.
• Skill in the care and treatment of patients.
• Ability to articulate strategies on leading, coaching, and/or supervising others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ablity to demonstrate working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment.
• Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to effectively perform in a work group or team environment.
• Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with mental health issues, with their family members, and with staff members.
• Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
• Ability to train all levels of staff.
• Ability to create curriculum, assign, and teach competency-based training to all nursing staff and others.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SH leadership, including on-call administrators.
• Ability to maintain current CPR certification and TIPS certification.
• 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).
• Current CPR certification.
• Three (3) years' experience as a practicing Registered Nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility.

Nice To Haves

• BSN is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Orients new nursing staff to facility protocols, guidelines, and procedures.
• Keeps abreast of current nursing philosophies, techniques, and regulations and imparts this information to others.
• Evaluates competency of new and tenured nursing staff in nursing skills/knowledge so that optimal health care is delivered to patients served.
• Interprets regulations and communicates them effectively orally and in writing and assists in writing and revising nursing guidelines.
• Complies with state, federal, and local guidelines and standards.
• Ability to track, maintain, and update data related to Nursing Education.
• Coordinates the orientation of nursing students as applicable.
• Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments.
• Provides/coordinates training and education to all levels of staff regarding health maintenance/prevention issues.
• Serves on designated committees as assigned.
• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Benefits

• Our 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 and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees