Registered Nurse II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • El Paso, TX

8d • $6,579 - $7,762 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Care Registered Nurse performs routine nursing work providing assessment, care, and treatment to individuals residing in a State Supported Living Center (SSLC). The nurse evaluates, treats, and documents healthcare needs and issues, reports them to appropriate personnel, and collaborates with direct care staff, physicians, administration, and nursing colleagues as part of an interdisciplinary team. The role monitors trends and concerns and communicates them to the supervisor and primary care provider to support consistent, high-quality care. It also includes data entry, required documentation and reporting, and record maintenance.

The nurse may assist and make improvement recommendations regarding services provided by Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Medication Aides (CMAs), participate in quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives, treat HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment, and respond to emergencies. The position works under moderate supervision of the Nurse Manager or Nursing Operations Officer, with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Work is at the El Paso State Supported Living Center, with no telework eligibility stated in the position details. The posting describes morning and night shifts on multiple homes, possible additional pay for night and/or weekend work, and travel of up to 5%.

Requirements

• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Work experience as a practicing registered nurse.
• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures, healthcare laws and regulations, medical diagnoses and procedures, accepted medical treatment programs, and community health and nursing care principles and practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and ICF-IID rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, or the ability to acquire that knowledge quickly.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement, and Healthcare Guidelines, or the ability to acquire that knowledge quickly.
• Skill in patient care and treatment.
• Computer/software skills, including use of an electronic health record system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to provide patient care, prepare and maintain records, interpret policies and healthcare regulations, and recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.
• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
• Ability to work independently and productively with staff at all levels.
• Ability to support and coach LVNs, CMAs, and direct support professionals.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership, including on-call administrators.
• Pass required fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS LEIE checks.
• Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Males ages 18–25 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or healthcare facility is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and perform assigned duties, potentially following a specified or rotating schedule, extended shifts, or overtime.
• Serve in a rotating on-call status when required by facility operational needs.
• Perform routine nursing procedures in accordance with HHSC, SSLC, and state regulations, including tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments.
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and conduct requested screening tests.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and treatments; observe individuals for unusual symptoms and reactions.
• Make rounds or home visits as needed and work at other SSLC locations as needed.
• Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, feedings, and vital signs; assess for illness and provide appropriate nursing care, including initiating acute care plans.
• Help evaluate nursing intervention outcomes and provide recommendations to the healthcare team.
• Instruct direct support professionals on monitoring individuals after treatments or procedures, including use of post-sedation monitoring instruction sheets.
• Accurately and promptly document and report treatments and observations in electronic health records or paper charts, and prepare required reports.
• Assist LVNs and CMAs with services and recommend improvements, including helping them become familiar with individuals’ needs and preferences.
• Assist LVNs with protocols, procedures, and programs supporting the health and safety of staff and individuals, including follow-up assessments, guidelines, acute care plan interventions, injury reports, restraints, and medication variances.
• Support Nurse Managers with reviews and follow-up related to controlled drug and medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls.
• Assist the Infection Control nurse in implementing disease prevention measures and the Quality Assurance Nurse in therapeutic nursing programs; participate in facility QA/QI initiatives.
• Respond to emergencies to protect individuals, follow SSLC safety and infection-control procedures, and provide staff education and safety training upon request.
• Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in a supporting role in disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activations, which may require a different shift pattern or location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Free continuing education units (CEUs) and updated resources through Lippincott access for nurses.
• The position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on nights and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

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