Registered Nurse II

About the role

The Direct Care Registered Nurse II provides routine‑level nursing care to individuals residing in Texas State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs). The RN assesses, treats, documents, and coordinates care for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral challenges. The position works under the moderate supervision of the Nurse Manager or Nursing Operations Officer and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly on assigned or rotating shift schedules, including possible overtime, extended shifts, and on‑call status.
• Perform routine nursing tasks such as tracheostomy, gastrostomy/jejunostomy, wound care, and breathing treatments in accordance with HHSC, SSLC, and state regulations.
• Collect laboratory specimens and conduct screening tests as requested.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and treatments; monitor patients for adverse reactions.
• Make rounds and home visits as needed; work at multiple SSLC locations.
• Monitor weight, diet, feedings, vital signs, and signs of illness; initiate acute care plans when appropriate.
• Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Instruct direct support professionals on post‑procedure monitoring and other care tasks.
• Document treatments, observations, and reports accurately in electronic or paper medical records.
• Assist LVNs and Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) and make recommendations for service improvements.
• Support the Nurse Manager with controlled‑drug counts, medication inventories, emergency checklists, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls.
• Assist Infection Control and Quality Assurance nurses in implementing disease‑prevention measures and therapeutic programs.
• Participate in facility Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals and staff.
• Provide educational and safety training to SSLC staff upon request.
• Treat HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Support disaster response, recovery, and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Requirements

Licensure: Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas (or a compact state).

Experience: Prior experience as a practicing RN is required; at least six months in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility is preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Knowledge:

• Nursing techniques, health‑care laws, medical diagnoses, and treatment programs.
• State and federal regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF‑IID) and SSLC policies.
• Settlement Agreement, Healthcare Guidelines, and emergency procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in patient care, record‑keeping, and interpretation of policies and health‑care regulations.
• Competent use of computer software and electronic health record systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to present ideas clearly.
• Ability to work independently, coach LVNs, CMAs, and direct support professionals, and make recommendations to leadership.
• Capability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency equipment and procedures.

Applicants must pass fingerprint background checks, pre‑employment drug screening, and various registry checks (CANRS, LEIE, etc.). Males 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service. Random drug testing applies to all SSLC employees.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Free continuing education units (CEUs) and access to Lippincott resources for nurses.
• Additional pay available for evenings, nights, weekends, and work at maximum‑security locations.

Pay

Salary range: $6,579.41 – $7,761.50 per month (pay frequency: monthly). Position is classified as Exempt.

Schedule

• Day shift (morning, evening, and night shifts available on multiple homes).
• Overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Flexibility in work hours and possible rotating or on‑call schedules to meet operational needs.