Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Austin State Hospital
Austin, TX

Nurse III

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. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, observes, assesses, plans, intervenes and evaluates outcomes and documents all aspects of patient care. Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served. Coordinates scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. May supervise, counsel, and evaluate other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. May assume duties of the Nurse Coordinator/Nurse Manager during absence. Flexible in work schedule. Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. 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. 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. EJF 1. Assess the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient record to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association. (30%) EJF 2. Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses by addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions. Coordinates and administers the effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units. (30%) EJF 3. Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed. (15%) EJF 4. Carries out medical staff practitioners' orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process. (5%) EJF 5. Implements special precautions as ordered and explain and document rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights. (5%) EJF 6. Attends mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development. Attends and participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients. Monitors the use of treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) to ensure the well-being of patients and staff and that TIPS program requirements are adhered to during an episode of patient restraint (5%) EJF 7. Communicates openly with CNE/Asst. CNE/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information to inform and disseminate to staff on assigned units. (5%) EJF 8. 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. (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities: 1. Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards. 2. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures. 3. Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act. 4. Skills in supervisory and management techniques. 5. Skills and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency. 6. Skills for positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public. 7. Ability to handle crisis situations calmly. 8. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing. 9. Ability to use sound judgement and critical thinking skills. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact). Initial Selection Criteria: 1. Three (3) years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility. 2. Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners preferred. 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, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. 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. 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. MOS Code: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS