Nursing Operations Officer

Job Description:
Nurse IV
Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you
Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses.
The Nursing Operations Officer performs advanced professional nursing work overseeing and evaluating nursing policies, procedures and activities within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Oversees and evaluates the day-to-day resident care operations of the nursing department toward achieving the goal and objectives of the nursing department. Oversees processes used by Nurse Managers and RN Shift Supervisors to ensure 24-hour direct care nursing services are provided in accordance with resident needs and treatment plans. Oversees the implementation of established nursing policies and procedures. Develops, reviews, and revises nursing policies and procedures. Assists the CNE in developing guidelines to promote compliance with nursing laws, rules, and regulations. Explains nursing policies, procedures and guidelines to others. Oversees the management of nursing personnel and personnel issues, including management of contracted nursing staff. Participates in and oversees nursing staff participation in the interdisciplinary team process. Collaborates and coordinates closely with medical staff, other nursing staff, and other department heads to ensure integration of nursing services toward optimal outcomes for persons served. Coordinates and evaluates the provision of education and training to nursing staff and others. Supports the CNE to oversee implementation of corrective action plans and quality improvement plans. Oversees the daily nursing care of the residents of the SSLC. Provides direct care nursing services when needed. Serves as a resource to nurse managers, provides consultation and technical assistance to nursing staff on complex cases. Reviews nursing records to determine compliance with standards of practice and quality of care. Provides and coordinates treatment to employees injured in course and scope of employment. Develops, reviews and oversees processes that ensure optimum performance of nursing staff toward full compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement. Works under the minimal supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Oversees and evaluates the day-to-day operations of the nursing department, ensuring optimal care and treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have complex medical, psychiatric and/or behavioral health needs. Oversees the process for proper scheduling to ensure adequate nursing coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week based upon levels of acuity of individuals, and to ensure resident needs are met, including an on-call nursing schedule. Collaborates and coordinates closely with medical staff, other nursing staff, and other department heads to ensure integration of nursing services toward optimal outcomes for persons served. Oversees allocation of LVNs and RNs, adjusting staffing assignments to homes/units/shifts based on current needs, and utilizing contracted nursing staff when needed.

Directs and oversees the work of the nurse managers who supervise the direct care LVNs, RNs and certified medication aides (CMAs) (if used) at the SSLC. Depending on SSLC structure, directly or indirectly supervises RN case management staff, RN shift supervisors and other nursing professionals. Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that care provided is based on an appropriate developmental level to meet specific and specialized resident needs. Hires, trains, and promotes professional growth of the employees within the department so that a competent workforce is maintained. Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff to give employees timely feedback on their performance and oversees staff development plans and activities. Monitors staffing issues such as turnover, retention, and use of overtime, and takes action to improve these areas.

Provides consultation and training to nurse managers to assist them in developing their nursing staff. Consults and assists with complex cases and/or residents that exhibit challenging behaviors. Provides consultation, technical assistance and support to RN shift supervisors to make adjustments to the nurse staffing schedule to meet resident needs. Provides technical assistance to nursing staff and direct care staff on how to implement health care plans.

Develops, reviews, and revises nursing policies and procedures to promote a professional environment, promote the mission of the program and assure congruence with professional and organizational expectations. Assists the CNE in developing guidelines to promote compliance with nursing laws, rules, and regulations. Participates in quality assurance reviews and other activities related to the development/enhancement/refinement of nursing policy and procedure. Explains nursing policies and procedures to nurse managers, LVNs and RN so that they can effectively implement them. Ensures appropriate administration of corrective and adverse actions when required, including adverse personnel action.

Reviews medical records and patient assessments to determine compliance with policies and procedures, correctness of assessment, standards of care, and quality of service. Formulates, completes, and submits data regarding findings to the CNE following designated guidelines. Takes action to correct deficiencies. Oversees and conducts clinical reviews to ensure adequate clinical care is provided to residents when assigned. Evaluates the treatment plans developed by the RN Case Managers, as assigned by the CNE, to ensure they accurately and definitively direct the implementation of all necessary care based up on the trend analysis of health care needs and/or issues to the appropriate person.

Oversees the daily nursing care of the residents of the SSLC provided by the LVN and RN staff including medication administration, tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, performing routine and specialty treatments, and observing patients for unusual symptoms and reactions. As needed (such as due to staffing issues, complex cases, or for the purpose of on-the-job training), provides direct care nursing services. Oversees process for physical, developmental, and psychosocial assessments to determine need for specialized health services. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the nursing process and nursing procedures. Ensures effective nursing participation in interdisciplinary teams. Provides leadership and direction to ensure nursing compliance with person-centered planning in order to create an environment that empowers individuals to have as much participation as possible in all decision-making activities that affect his/her life and ensures that the individual directs the planning process of a plan of supports and services that meet his/her personal outcomes. Promotes safety and wellbeing of staff at the SSLC. Provides and coordinates treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Conducts monitoring for nursing compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and rules using established monitoring and program compliance tools to ensure optimum performance of the nursing department and compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement. Oversees preparation for and responds to information requests from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual certification survey and regulatory audits. Oversees monitoring conducted by nurse managers and provides feedback to ensure interrater reliability. Uses information from monitoring to address both personnel and system issues and guide future corrective action plans (CAPs) and quality improvement plans (QIPs). Conducts periodic monitoring of nurse managers, LVNs and RNs, by visiting homes and other locations where services are provided and directing and evaluating activities to ensure goals and operational standards are being met. Models appropriate interaction with staff and SSLC residents. Provides feedback to nurse managers for their action.

Supports the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) to oversee implementation of quality assurance processes including overseeing and evaluating progress of CAPs and QIPs related to nursing services. Reviews audit reports for citations and develops and implements a CAP to correct any citations. Reviews reports from DOJ/Settlement Agreement Monitoring Team (SAMT) for progress toward compliance with nursing indicators. Reviews special investigations involving nursing staff where Abuse, Neglect and/or Exploitation (ANE) is asserted. Alerts leadership to safety/risk management issues and actively facilitates problem-solving strategies.

Works with the CNE, Nurse Educator and others to coordinate information dissemination efforts to staff, residents, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of health care issues or concerns at the SSLC. Ensures that all departmental staff are compliant in training per agency and facility standards. Provides opportunities for in-service and continuing education training for LVNs, and RNs to ensure others maintain competence in nursing best practice. Complies with state mandated continuing education to maintain licensure as a registered nurse. Evaluates the available continuing education programs available, such as Lippincott, and makes recommendations for improvements. Develops and implements in-service training to address areas identified for corrective action and quality improvement.

Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on nursing protocols, and activities. Participates on and/or chairs various committees as assigned such as QA/QI Council, IMRT and Medication Variance Committee. Communicates and/or interfaces orally and/or in writing with other state supported living center departments, HHS State Office, family members/guardians and other state and local entities in order to improve services, provide information, and to conduct business.
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 state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, including the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, and the role of nursing peer review in the provision of both professional nursing and vocational nursing.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.
Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines or ability to quickly gain the knowledge.
Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of nursing treatment tools and equipment.
Skill in analyzing problems, formulating and implementing plans of corrections, and successfully leading change as evidenced by positive outcomes.
Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.
Skill in time management and prioritization.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.
Skills in the care and treatment of residents
Strong interpersonal skills which promote teamwork
Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members.
Ability to provide patient care and to prepare and maintain records
Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
Must maintain current CPR certification. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze, assimilate, and integrate information in order to make nursing judgments about conditions and the acuity of conditions, to develop plans of care, and to evaluate outcomes of care.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities
Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others
Ability to manage time effectively
Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

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