Nurse II

Location: San Antonio State Hospital, 6711 S New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX. Posting #22512, closes 11/03/2026. Monthly salary $6,579.41 – $7,761.50 (Salary Group TEXAS-B-22). Day shift, Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, full-time, regular, FLSA exempt. Travel up to 10%; not eligible for telework.

About the role

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. HHSC supports employees at each stage of their life and work journey with a comprehensive benefits package.

HHSC’s Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) comprises ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are hubs of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, all accredited by The Joint Commission, providing recovery‑oriented, science‑based treatment.

The Nurse II performs entry‑level to routine (journey‑level) nursing work in a state hospital under the supervision of the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager. 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. Observes patient behavior and status and reports to the psychiatrist, other recovery team members, and supervising nurse as appropriate. Carries out nursing interventions identified in the multidisciplinary recovery plan. Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration and controlled drug records per facility policy. Trains other staff members as necessary. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned, including disaster response, COOP activation, or alternate shift/location assignments when required.

This position is housed on the Admissions Unit working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly; may be required to work specific shifts, rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime per agency leave policy.
• Performs comprehensive assessment of patients’ nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.
• Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status; documents in the medical record or reports to team members, including the attending psychiatrist.
• Develops or contributes to the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with the recovery team based on assessment data.
• Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families.
• Utilizes one‑to‑one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions to assist patients in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.
• Initiates and implements population‑specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered; maintains medication administration records (MAR) and controlled drug records per facility policy.
• Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu to assure a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiates and monitors appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Participates in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as assigned, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas, or in a Nurse Licensure Compact party state with reciprocity; or hold a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision awaiting license issuance.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or four‑year college/university with major coursework in nursing.
• If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license (or obtain within 90 days of hire) and provide an original certified driving record from the state of licensure; eligible driving record required per HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct Registry, and LEIE.
• Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Minimum age 18