Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Brenham, TX

Graduate Vocational Nurse

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. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers 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 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 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! The Graduate Vocational Nurse (GVN) Trainee is a graduate of an accredited basic nursing education program within the United States, its Territories, or Possessions and a licensure candidate who possesses a temporary authorization to practice. Continued employment is dependent upon successful issuance of LVN license by the 75th day after the Texas Board of Nursing issues a "temporary permission to practice". If licensure is attained in accordance with the Texas Board of Nursing temporary authorization to practice timeframe, the Trainee will be moved from GVN status to the LVN-I classification the first of the month following successful licensure. GVN Trainee provides routine vocational nursing work. Work involves providing for the care, treatment, and general welfare of patients. Works under the direction and supervision of an LVN or an RN and performs Nursing duties within the assigned areas and assigned shift. The GVN performs basic and nursing tasks to fulfill the health needs of the individuals. The GVN keeps informed of and follows all agency, facility and unit policies and procedures. Essential Job Functions: Temporary Authorization to Practice mandates that the new graduate who has been authorized to practice as a GVN pending the results of the licensing examination must work under the direct supervision of either an LVN or RN. "Direct supervision" means the licensed nurse is physically present in the facility or practice setting and is readily available to the GVN for consultation and assistance. If the facility is organized into multiple units that are geographically distanced from each other, then the supervising nurse must be working on the same unit to which the new graduate is assigned. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Administers medications and treatments orally, rectally, internally, or by injection. Performs technical Nursing procedures according to facility and state regulations after demonstration for competency. Documents and reports pertinent observations. Communicates orally and in writing to other team members' pertinent information. Documents according to facility policy. Responds to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals. Follows safety and Infection Control Procedures of facility. Monitors patients for treatments and procedures. Collects samples for laboratory examination and performs routine lab tests on samples, as required. Counsels patients with specific health goals. Assists other staff in turning/repositioning individuals to administer treatments. Ensures that supplies are available. Locates, transports, and handles individuals' records. 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: Graduation from an accredited basic nursing education program. Knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques and the principles and process used in providing patient care. Ability to provide patient care and to prepare and maintain records, to communicate effectively, and to train others. Ability to apply principles and practices to assess, prevent, and control diseases. Skills in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment. Must maintain regular and predictable work schedule. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must be a graduate of an accredited basic nursing education program and a licensure candidate (GVN) issued a temporary "permission to practice" by the Texas Board of Nursing. Note: This temporary authorization is not renewable and will expire the earliest date of any of the following: (1) when the candidate passes the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN test; (2) when the candidate fails the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN test; (3) or on the 75th day following the effective date of the temporary authorization. The GVN must immediately inform employers of receipt of notification of failing the examination and cease nursing practice. Must maintain current CPR certification. Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an accredited basic nursing education program within the United States, its Territories, or Possessions. Must be a Licensure candidate (GVN) issued a temporary "permission to practice" permit by the Texas Board of Nursing. Experience with working with people with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities 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 Aide, 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 State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. MOS Code: There are no Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration requirements for this position. For additional 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