Nurse Manager

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•KERRVILLE, TX

20d•$8,300 - $10,786•Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse Manager performs advanced senior-level nursing functions, including planning, developing, coordinating, supervising, and evaluating nursing care provided on a 24-hour basis. The role directs the day-to-day operations of assigned nursing areas and implements standards of practice consistent with HHSC, the Texas Administrative Code, the Texas State Board of Nursing, and other applicable state and federal requirements for State Hospitals. The Nurse Manager works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position ensures adequate staffing and a competent nursing workforce through hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluation, and staff development. It provides clinical direction, supports interdisciplinary treatment teams, monitors the quality and safety of nursing care, and participates in performance improvement and quality assurance. The Nurse Manager collaborates with other departments, individuals and their families, and external organizations, and provides treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Other duties may include supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at another location or on an alternate shift pattern.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Texas or in a state recognizing reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Four years of experience working in a setting with other professional disciplines.
Four years of experience with a psychiatric population and/or individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
Five years of direct nursing practice as a practicing registered nurse in a hospital setting, including planning and directing daily clinical activities of a nursing care unit.
Knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; healthcare laws and regulations; medical diagnoses and procedures; accepted medical treatment patterns; community health and nursing care principles; program regulations; and utilization review and control measures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, Joint Commission requirements, and regulations, policies, and procedures related to State Hospitals, or ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
Skill in caring for and treating individuals; using computer software and electronic health records; time management and prioritization; teamwork; and coaching.
Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with mental illness, their families, and staff; provide care and maintain records; interpret policies and regulations; and recognize patterns of medical necessity.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities; instruct, train, and supervise others; and work independently with all levels of staff.
Ability to perform comprehensive physical assessments, identify abnormal findings, and recognize signs and symptoms of illness or injury.
Ability to analyze and integrate information to make nursing judgments, assess acuity, develop plans of care, and evaluate outcomes.
Ability to provide nursing care to individuals and staff members in emergency situations.
Must maintain current CPR certification and have the strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR and Treatment Intervention and Protection Strategies (TIPS).
Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug screening, and registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
Males between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.
Three years of experience as an administrative nurse with supervisory authority over other nurses preferred.
Three years of experience working as a team leader or nursing manager preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and manage daily nursing-area operations in accordance with HHSC policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
Implement nursing practice standards consistent with the Board of Nursing, Joint Commission, CMS conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code, and agency and State Hospital requirements.
Establish, implement, and evaluate nursing staffing plans; ensure timely 24-hour nursing coverage and safe assignments based on individual needs and care complexity.
Monitor nursing resource allocation, staffing patterns, and nursing-care trends, and report relevant information to staff and leadership.
Hire, train, coach, evaluate, and promote the professional growth of assigned nurses; ensure required training and staff development plans are completed.
Direct nursing staff activities and provide clinical expertise to ensure care is based on provider orders and individuals’ specialized needs.
Monitor nursing performance indicators, conduct or participate in record and peer reviews, review serious incidents when assigned, provide feedback, and take corrective action as needed.
Oversee implementation of nursing policies, procedures, and protocols; conduct rounds, review documentation, help resolve issues, and advocate for the nursing perspective.
Develop and update training curricula and provide in-service training in collaboration with the Nurse Educator; assign targeted training and support trauma-informed, resident-centered care.
Participate in quality assessment and improvement initiatives; use data to identify trends and address care-quality issues.
Protect individuals’ rights and oversee review, analysis, reporting, and follow-up concerning significant events, safety issues, and risk-management concerns.
Support partnerships with individuals and families, interdisciplinary teams, internal departments, outside agencies, and external stakeholders; participate in assigned committees and workgroups.
Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment; maintain CPR and emergency-response skills and initiate emergency treatment as necessary.
Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including possible disaster-response, recovery, or COOP support that may require alternate hours or location.