RN II - Direct Care

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Corpus Christi, TX

3d • $6,579 - $7,762 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Care RN performs routine nursing work providing assessment, care, and treatment to individuals residing at a State Supported Living Center (SSLC). The position evaluates, treats, and documents healthcare needs and issues, and reports them to appropriate personnel. The RN communicates with direct care staff, physicians and primary care providers, administrators, and nursing staff as part of an interdisciplinary team, and alerts supervisors and primary care providers to trends and concerns to support consistent, high-quality care. The role includes data entry, required documentation and reporting, and record maintenance.

The RN assists with services provided by Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Medication Aides (CMAs), contributes to recommendations for improvements, and participates in facility quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives. The RN provides treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment and responds to emergencies to help ensure the safety and care of individuals and staff. The position works under moderate supervision of the Nurse Manager or Nursing Operations Officer, with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

This position is based at the Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. Morning, evening, and night shifts are available on multiple homes. The role may involve rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, on-call duty, other SSLC locations, and alternate shifts or locations during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation. Evening, night, and/or weekend work may qualify for additional pay. Travel is up to 5%.

Requirements

• Work experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.
• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• 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 relating to State Supported Living Centers, or ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
• Knowledge of nursing-care standards, the Settlement Agreement, and Healthcare Guidelines, or ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
• Skill in patient care and treatment, computer/software use, and electronic health record systems.
• 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, procedures, 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.
• Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug-screen, and registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS LEIE checks.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
• Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.

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 work the assigned or rotating schedule, including extended shifts or overtime when required; perform other assigned duties.
• Serve in a rotating on-call status when required by facility operational needs.
• Perform routine nursing procedures, including tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments; collect laboratory specimens 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; identify signs and symptoms of illness and use nursing judgment to provide care, including initiating acute care plans.
• Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes and provide input and recommendations to the healthcare team.
• Instruct direct support professionals on monitoring individuals after treatments or procedures, using applicable instruction sheets.
• Document and report treatments and observations promptly and accurately 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 that improve 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 by reviewing and following up on controlled-drug and medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls.
• Assist the Infection Control Nurse with disease-prevention measures and the Quality Assurance Nurse with therapeutic nursing programs; participate in facility QA/QI initiatives.
• Respond to emergencies, follow SSLC safety and infection-control procedures, provide staff education and safety training upon request, and treat HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in a supporting role in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation when assigned, potentially at an alternate shift or location.

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 nursing resources through Lippincott access
• Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends

What This Job Offers

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