Nurse III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Wichita Falls, TX

6d•$1,507 - $1,777•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse III provides nursing care and primary management for an assigned service area during the assigned shift at Wichita Falls State Hospital. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive, Nurse Administrator, or Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, the nurse observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, evaluates outcomes, and documents patient care. The role coordinates scheduling and staffing, may supervise and evaluate nursing staff, collaborates with other nursing and mental health personnel to maintain continuity of care, and may assume Nurse Coordinator or Nurse Manager duties during their absence. The position also provides direct nursing care as needed and requires flexibility and independent judgment. Duties, work location, and shift pattern may change to meet hospital needs. Duties may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The role includes participation in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require an alternate shift or location. This is a PRN, part-time position with a compressed weekend shift; additional pay may be available for evening, night, and/or weekend work. The position is not eligible for telework. Travel may be up to 10%.

Requirements

At least three years of work experience as a registered nurse in a recognized health agency, hospital, or healthcare facility.
Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards, departmental policies and procedures, and the Nurse Practice Act.
Skills in supervisory and management techniques.
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.
Ability to handle crisis situations calmly, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and use sound judgment and critical thinking.
If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record and meet HHSC Fleet Management eligibility requirements.
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 operating procedures.
Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

Responsibilities

Observe, assess, plan, intervene, evaluate outcomes, and document all aspects of patient care.
Assess patients’ health and mental status upon admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis, documenting assessments and care in patient records.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques according to American Heart Association specifications.
Coordinate staffing and patient care activities on assigned units, address performance problems, document interventions, and ensure effective utilization of nursing service personnel.
Coordinate admission and transfer processes by communicating with admissions and unit staff, reviewing documentation, and triaging patients when needed.
Carry out practitioners’ orders and implement nursing interventions in accordance with nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures.
Assist with client abuse and neglect investigations.
Implement ordered precautions, explain and document rights restrictions, and follow restraint and seclusion procedures to maintain patient safety and uphold patient rights.
Monitor treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) and compliance with program requirements during patient restraint episodes.
Attend mandatory training, in-service sessions, and other education programs appropriate to the patient population.
Communicate with nursing leadership to obtain and share current information with staff on assigned units.
Collaborate with the Nurse Coordinator, charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisor/Specialist to ensure continuity of care.
Provide direct nursing care to individual patients as needed.
Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.