Nurse II

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
• Affords the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient record in order to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
• Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses by addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions.
• Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours in order to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed.
• Carry out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Meets with unit nursing staff to inform and disseminate information.
• Provides and documents individual/group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, special treatment, etc. utilizing appropriate teaching/response methods for various age groups and cognitive levels to facilitate patient learning.
• Implements special precautions as ordered, explain and document rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.
• Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, assures patient safety, and meets patient needs, monitors, and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS). Follows all established protocols, policies, and procedures. Participates as the nursing representative in Performance improvement teams. Coordinates and administers effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Attends mandatory trainings, participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Skills in supervisory and management techniques.
• Skills and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency.
• Skills for positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).