Staff Nurse

About the role

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at Vernon State Hospital as a Nurse I (Staff Nurse). You will provide entry‑level to journey‑level nursing care in an inpatient psychiatric setting, conducting assessments, developing care plans, administering medications, and supporting a therapeutic milieu while working under the supervision of a Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager. Posting #22190, open until 01/05/2027. The nearest major market is Wichita Falls.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' nursing care needs (physical, behavioral, psychiatric, social).
• Identify nursing diagnoses and formulate an initial plan of care.
• Establish unit routines and develop/maintain the therapeutic milieu.
• Observe and analyze patient behavior and status; document or report to psychiatrist and team.
• Develop or contribute to individualized recovery plans with the recovery team.
• Provide individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients/families.
• Utilize one‑to‑one counseling skills to help patients identify anxiety and develop coping strategies.
• Initiate and implement population‑specific nursing interventions per standards of care.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered; maintain MAR and controlled drug records.
• Establish and monitor the therapeutic milieu to assure a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Provide training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiate and monitor appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure safety.
• 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

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or a four‑year college/university with major coursework in nursing.
• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas, or in a party state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact; or possess a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision pending licensure.
• If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it within 90 days of hire; out‑of‑state applicants must provide an original certified driving record.
• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employ