Staff Nurse

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.
• Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.
• Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status, and documents in the medical record or reports, as needed, to other team members, including the attending psychiatrist.
• Develops or contributes to the development of the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with other recovery team members, based on data obtained from the assessment.
• Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families in order to meet patient/family needs.
• Utilizes one-to-one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.
• Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.
• Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu assuring a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.
• Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures
• Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs
• Knowledge community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients
• Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software
• Ability to provide patient care.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Or
• Issued a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision awaiting license issue.

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.