Nurse II

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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Nurse II (PRN Nurse) performs complex (journey level) nursing work. They work works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). Provides routine care and treatment through the application of the nursing process and are responsible for maintaining nursing standards of practice in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system. Communicates and collaborates with other shift RNs to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. Ensures adequate staffing according to the program specific staffing plan; determines staff assignments based on appropriate knowledge and skill to meet individual patient needs. Models and supports a proactive approach to unit management using patient centered trauma informed care. Demonstrates a commitment to a culture that minimizes the use of restrictive interventions. Oversees and assigns work to other staff to include Psychiatric Nursing Assistants and Licensed Vocational Nurses as assigned. The PRN Nurse works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Essential Job Functions:
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 extensive initial and on-going assessment of the patient’s nursing care needs to include medical, psychological, and social needs by accurately reporting and documenting the assessment, nursing diagnoses, plan, intervention(s), and on-going evaluation in the patient’s medical record to provide a clear reflection of care provided, and the patient’s response to that care.

Collaborates with other health care professionals by contributing nursing assessment data, diagnoses/problems, towards the development of a multidisciplinary recovery plan. Helps to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to
promote a patient centered individualized plan of care. Presents nursing care needs to the team to be considered for active treatment. Provides relevant data regarding patient’s progress, or lack thereof.

Evaluates the outcomes of nursing interventions and documents the same in the medical record. Assures the documentation is thorough, complete, and consistent with overall plan of care and provides a clear understanding and application of the nursing process, and the patient’s response to care provided.

Provides comprehensive patient/family education regarding illness process, medications, coping skills, etc., to patients and families.

Establishes, monitors, and maintains the therapeutic milieu through clinical oversight and training of other Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Psychiatric Nursing Assistants as assigned. Evaluates staffing on a shift per shift basis to ensure an appropriate number and mix of nursing personnel is available to
provide a safe, secure environment, which allows for maximum program participation, as well as the fluctuation in patient acuity.

Supervises the administration of medications by ensuring physician’s orders are carried out according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Knows the rationale for and the anticipated effects of medications and treatments and supervises the same. Clarifies any order or treatment regimen that believed to be inaccurate, non-efficacious, or contraindicated.

Acts as team leader in emergency situations (i.e., medical or psychiatric emergencies) including initiating and monitoring the appropriate use of resuscitative equipment or interventions such as restraint/seclusion.

Serves as the contact RN by ensuring adequate staffing for assigned and on-coming shifts is consistent with established nursing policy and procedures and the programmatic staffing plan, as needed. Addresses administrative and clinical issues in a professional manner consistent with the standards of nursing practice, and nursing and program specific policies, and The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system. Consistently communicates significant events in patient care, and management of the unit to the Nurse Manager and the Assistant CNE.

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 Abilities:
Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, and the role of peer review in the provision of professional nursing
Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures
Knowledge of management theory, organizational planning, plan deployment, and improving organizational performance
Knowledge of the Recovery Model of Care
Knowledge of professional nursing Standards, CPR, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Treatment, Intervention, and Protection Strategies (TIPS)
Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures

Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software
Skills in administering restraint and seclusion
Strong coaching skills

Ability to provide patient care
Ability to prepare and maintain records
Ability to organize and communicate information both orally and in writing
Ability to interpret and explain standards and regulations
Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others
Ability to create and evaluate training objectives, requirements, and effectiveness of delivery
Ability to manage time effectively
Ability to intervene therapeutically with patients experiencing psychiatric disorders (delusions, hallucinations, suicidal/homicidal ideation)
Ability to perform CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, use the AED, provide First Aid
Ability to provide patient/family education regarding medications, disease processes, and health maintenance/promotion

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