Nurse III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

4d • 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.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, observes, assesses, plans, intervenes and evaluates outcomes and documents all aspects of patient care. Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served. Coordinates scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. May supervise, counsel, and evaluate other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. May assume duties of the Nurse Coordinator/Nurse Manager during absence. Flexible in work schedule. Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by administration to meet the needs of the hospital. 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.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Skills in supervisory and management techniques.
• Skills and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency.
• Skills for positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgement and critical thinking skills.
• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or 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. 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.
• Three (3) years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient record to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care.
• 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.
• Coordinates and administers the effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed.
• Carries out medical staff practitioners’ orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures.
• Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process.
• Implements special precautions as ordered and explain and document rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety.
• Protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.
• Attends mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development.
• Attends and participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.
• Monitors the use of treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) to ensure the well-being of patients and staff and that TIPS program requirements are adhered to during an episode of patient restraint
• Communicates openly with Chief Nurse Executive/Asst. Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information to inform and disseminate to staff on assigned units.
• 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.

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 and more

What This Job Offers

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