Registered Nurse (RN) - Educator
Austin State Hospital
Austin, TX

Nurse Educator

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team. The Nurse II (Nurse Educator) performs complex (journey-level) nursing work and works under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive. Duties include; analysis, planning, designing, organizing, conducting, and evaluating the educational and training needs of licensed and unlicensed nursing personnel. The Nurse Educator works collaboratively with nursing leadership to assure compliance with hospital-wide mandatory training requirements, standards of nursing practice and hospital policies and procedures. Coordinates student clinical preceptorship experiences and provides community educational offerings, in relation to recruitment initiatives. They are responsible for the oversight of the Competency and Skills Development Program (CSD), and New Nurse Orientation (NNO). Designs, develops, and prepares curricula and course outlines, and other materials to promote positive learning experiences. The Nurse Educator will show strong support for hospital wide programmatic initiatives with a focus on recovery, trauma informed care, and a demonstrated commitment to the reduction in the use of restraint and seclusion. Provides direct supervision to assigned staff as needed. Works under the 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. 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. Assists the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), Assistant CNE, and supervises staff as needed to improve organizational performance by identifying performance improvement initiatives/activities that can be addressed through nursing education. Provides timely recommendations in writing and/or verbally in a positive and problem-solving manner. Develops and prepares training materials when performance improvement opportunities are identified. Establishes clear goals, and training objectives, and ensures competencies are demonstrated and evaluated to promote positive change. Develops tools to promote on-going monitoring and evaluation. Develops and coordinates systems to ensure nursing personnel are competent in the provision of psychiatric nursing services. Provides on-going assessment to assist with future planning and the identification of training initiatives. Assures training, evaluation, and documentation of nursing personnel competence are in place. Oversees the Competency and Skills Development Program (CSD), and New Nurse Orientation (NNO). Designs, develops, and prepares curricula and course outlines, and selects or develops instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other materials to promote positive learning experiences. Training includes such offerings as live programs, distance learning options, self-study modules, and interactive computer-based learning programs. Updates all training curriculum content after conducting needs assessments and ensures revisions to hospital policies and nursing practice are reflected in a timely fashion. Works collaboratively with nursing leadership to assure compliance with hospital-wide mandatory training requirements, standards of nursing practice and hospital policies and procedures in order to facilitate on-going operational implementation. Obtains feedback from Nurse Managers regarding the implementation and evaluation of training provided. Develops and coordinates a nursing preceptor program for Nurses that promotes staff competence in basic psychiatric nursing processes, to provide quality services, and to promote staff retention. Works collaboratively with Nurse Managers and others, to ensure documentation of demonstrated competence in psychiatric nursing processes. Uses employee preference to determine program placement when possible, to promote retention. Develops curricula based on hospital/program missions, philosophy and framework, and plans for appropriate learning experiences. Routinely uses evaluation instruments to assess learning and achievement of goals and uses the information to improve the process/learning experience. Involves the participants in selecting their own learning experiences when possible. In conjunction with the Chief Nurse Executive and Assistant CNE, conducts regularly, scheduled in-services that are designed to develop nursing staff and their roles, augment their knowledge level and maintain current competencies. Maintains organized and up to date training files and captures such activities within individual competency files. Participates in personnel file audits to ensure required competencies for the identified staff are present as per policy. Maintains an organized and up to date database capturing staff development activities, Clinical precepting opportunities, and relevant reports such as survey results for educational experiences/class audits, etc. Apprises nursing staff of educational opportunities participates in job fairs, serves as a coach and preceptor when necessary to promote retention of new employees. Assists in identifying appropriate plans for identified committee issues. Participates in data collection and analysis. Initiates corrective action as a group member when problems are identified. Participates in various committee meetings as a member or as a consultant. This may be at hospital, local or state level as assigned. Assists in identifying appropriate plans. Works with the Chief Nurse Executive to promote relationships with Schools of Nursing to enhance academic linkages, facilitates student placements, provides support to nursing staff for ongoing educational development. Prepares reports that accurately reflect quarterly activity with academic affiliates. Identifies problems/barriers to positive learning experiences and are shares with the Nurse Executive. Participates in nursing school advisory boards as schedule allows. 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 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 Knowledge of educational principles of nursing competencies Knowledge of electronic medical records (Avatar and MediMAR experience is preferred) 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, and supervise the work of 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 Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must possess valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing or from an accredited nursing program At least one (1) year of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility Experience developing curriculum and providing classroom instruction to adults 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. 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 patients. 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. 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, but not limited to: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. 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