Nurse II

About the role

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes. This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Serves in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
• Performs routine nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, SSLC and state regulations, such as tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, breathing treatments. Collects specimens for laboratory examination and conducts appropriate screening tests when requested by lab personnel.
• Administers medications, immunizations, and treatments and observes patients for unusual symptoms and reactions. Makes rounds and/or home visits as needed and works in other locations at the SSLC as needed. Monitors individuals’ weight, diet, feedings, and vital signs. Monitors for signs and symptoms of illness and uses appropriate nursing judgement to provide adequate care for the individual, including initiating acute care plans.
• Affords assistance with services provided by LVNs and/or Certified Medication Aides (CMA), as needed, and makes recommendations for improvements, including acclimating them to the individuals, their needs and preferences.
• Affords support to Nurse Manager’s including reviews and follow up on controlled drug counts, medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temp logs, and glucose controls.
• Assists the Infection Control nurse by implementing measures that prevent the spread of disease, assists the Quality Assurance Nurse in the implementation of therapeutic nursing programs. Participates in facility Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals. Follows safety and infection control procedures of the SSLC. Provides educational and safety training to SSLC staff upon request. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Requirements

Work experience as a practicing registered nurse is required. At least six (6) months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is preferred. Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

Qualifications

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment programs; and of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines or ability to quickly gain the knowledge.
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
• Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.
• Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; and to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.
• Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment.
• Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members.
• Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
• Ability to provide support and coaching to LVNs, CMAs and DSPs.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership including on-call administrators.

Benefits

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

Pay

$6,579.41 - $7,761.50

Schedule

Evening