Nurse III - Supervisory

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$7,533 - $8,886•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse III provides nursing care and primary management for an assigned service area during the assigned shift at Austin State Hospital. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive, Nurse Administrator, or Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, the nurse observes, assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care and documents all aspects of that care. The position requires specialized knowledge of the patient population and broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. It coordinates scheduling and staffing, may supervise, counsel, and evaluate nursing staff, and may assume Nurse Coordinator or Nurse Manager duties during their absence. The nurse collaborates with nurse coordinators, charge nurses, and mental health staff to ensure continuity of care, and provides direct nursing care as needed. Duties, work location, and shift or schedule may change to meet hospital needs. The position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, overtime or extended hours, and participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift. The role is not eligible for telework. It may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, and/or weekend work. Employment requires a Texas RN license or a license from a state that participates in Nurse Licensure Compact reciprocity. Applicants must pass applicable fingerprint criminal background, drug-screen, and registry checks, and comply with HHSC immunization policies and state hospital immunization procedures.

Requirements

Three years of work experience as a registered nurse in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care 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; handle crisis situations calmly; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and exercise 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; an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass applicable fingerprint criminal background checks, pre-employment drug screening, and registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and LEIE.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Male applicants ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to accommodate flexible work hours and possible overtime or extended hours.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ health and mental status upon admission or transfer and on an ongoing basis; document assessments, care planning, interventions, and evaluations.
Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques safely and according to American Heart Association specifications.
Direct and coordinate staffing and patient-care activities on assigned units in consultation with nurse administrators and staff nurses; address performance problems promptly and document interventions.
Coordinate effective utilization of nursing personnel on assigned units.
Facilitate admissions and transfers by communicating with admissions and unit staff, reviewing documentation for appropriate status, and triaging patients when needed.
Carry out medical practitioners’ orders and implement nursing interventions in accordance with nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures.
Assist in client abuse and neglect investigations.
Implement ordered special 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) to support patient and staff well-being and ensure compliance with program requirements during restraint episodes.
Attend mandatory training and participate in in-service and other education programs appropriate to the patient population.
Communicate with nursing leadership to obtain current information and share it with staff on assigned units.
Collaborate with nurse coordinators, charge nurses, and mental health staff to ensure 24-hour continuity of care.
Provide direct nursing care to patients as needed.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, and Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.