Nurse III

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, this role observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, evaluates outcomes, and documents all aspects of patient care. The position coordinates scheduling within assigned areas, provides primary management for the service area during assigned shifts, and may supervise, counsel, and evaluate other nursing staff. Collaboration with Nurse Coordinators, charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisors/Specialists ensures 24‑hour continuity of care. The nurse may assume duties of the Nurse Coordinator/Nurse Manager during absences, provides direct nursing care as needed, and maintains flexibility in work schedule with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Duties, location, and shift/pattern are subject to change per administrative needs and may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific shift schedules, rotating schedules, extended shifts, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Assess the health/mental status of patients upon admission/transfer and on an ongoing basis; document assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient records to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care.
• Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely per American Heart Association specifications.
• Provide direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses; address performance problems promptly and maintain accurate documentation of interventions.
• Coordinate and administer effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Facilitate smooth admission/transfer processes during working hours by communicating with admissions staff, reviewing documentation, and triaging patients as needed.
• Carry out medical staff practitioners’ orders and implement nursing interventions according to accepted nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures.
• Assist in client abuse and neglect investigation processes.
• Implement special precautions as ordered; explain and document rights restrictions; implement restraint/seclusion procedures per departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety.
• Protect patients from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.
• Attend mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development.
• Participate in ongoing in‑service and other education/training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.
• Monitor the use of Treatment, Intervention, and Protection Strategies (TIPS) to ensure well‑being of patients and staff and adherence to TIPS program requirements during restraint episodes.
• Communicate openly with Chief Nurse Executive/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information and disseminate to staff on assigned units.
• Participate in disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as assigned, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• 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.
• Ability to use sound judgment and critical thinking skills.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).
• If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out‑of‑state license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of licensure; eligible driving record required per HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Three (3) years of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.
• Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.

Additional Information

• 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 Registry, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males aged 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age (21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth positions).
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and/or extended hours may be required.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required; healthcare workers are at significant risk for vaccine‑preventable diseases (hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza). Employees must be vaccinated according to their level of contact; those declining influenza vaccination may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
• Active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified; military occupation codes that relate to the selection criteria are listed in the posting.
• Reasonable accommodation during the hiring process is provided per the ADA; contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747 for application assistance or notify the interview scheduler if interview accommodation is needed.
• Selected applicants may be required to pass additional background and due‑diligence checks; HHSC uses E‑Verify; I‑9 documentation must be presented on the first day of work.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay

Salary range: $7,532.75 – $8,886.16 per month (Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑24).

Schedule

• Shift: Day
• Full‑time
• FLSA Exempt
• Not eligible for telework
• Travel: Up to 5%

Location

Vernon State Hospital, 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX (nearest major market: Wichita Falls).