Nurse III

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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, 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.
• Assesses 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 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. Coordinates and administers the effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed.
• Carries out medical staff practitioners’ orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process.
• Implements special precautions as ordered and 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.
• Attends mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development. Attends and 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. Monitors the use of treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) to ensure the well-being of patients and staff and that TIPS program requirements are adhered to during an episode of patient restraint.
• Communicates openly with Chief Nurse Executive/Asst. Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information to inform and disseminate to staff on assigned units.
• 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 agency’s 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 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.
• Ability to use sound judgement and critical thinking skills.