The Nurse I (Staff Nurse) performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) nursing
work at a competent level in the state hospital under the supervision of the
Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager (Nurse II/III). Conducts comprehensive
assessments of patients nursing care needs using specialized skills in an
inpatient psychiatric setting. Identifies nursing diagnoses or problem lists and
formulates an initial plan of care based on assessment data. Establishes unit
routines and develops and maintains the therapeutic milieu. Makes
observations of patient behavior and status and reports to the psychiatrist,
other recovery team members, and supervising nurse, as appropriate. Carries
out nursing interventions as identified in the multidisciplinary recovery plan.
Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration
and controlled drug records according to facility policy. Trains other staff
members as necessary, or as requested. Works under moderate supervision,
with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are
not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet
the agencys obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of
Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift
pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
2. Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.
3. Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status, and documents in the medical record or reports, as needed, to other team members, including the attending psychiatrist.
4. Develops or contributes to the development of the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with other recovery team members, based on data obtained from the assessment.
5. Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families in order to meet patient/family needs.
6. Utilizes one-to-one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.
7. Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.
8. Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.
9. Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu assuring a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.
10. Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
11. Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.
12. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agencys obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.
2. Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures.
3. Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs.
4. Knowledge community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
5. Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
6. Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software.
7. Ability to provide patient care.
8. Ability to prepare and maintain records.
9. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing or from an accredited nursing program. Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow the state hospital nursing compensation plan.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. For more information see the Texas State Auditors Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.