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

Nurse II

Nurse II Position may be filled statewide. This position requires a current Texas Registered Nurse license (in good standing). All HHSC employees will receive an automatic 5% increase to their annual salary effective September 1, 2024, per the 88th Texas Legislature. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Quality Monitoring Nurse II for the Quality Monitoring Program (QMP) The QMP helps address conditions in Texas Nursing Facilities (NFs) that could be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. The Nurse Quality Monitor II reports to the Quality Monitoring Nurse Manager. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS's mission by conducting monitoring visits in Texas nursing facilities. The Nurse Quality Monitor utilizes expertise in the area of nursing to assess conditions that could place facility residents' health, safety, and welfare at risk and assists providers in improving systems. This position must be able to apply the complex knowledge of nursing practice as well as the rules outlined in the Texas Nursing Practice Act. The Quality Monitor Nurse (QMN) II works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Quality Monitor Nurse utilizes expertise in the area of nursing to assess conditions that could place facility residents' health, safety, and welfare at risk and assist providers in improving systems. Essential Job Functions: * Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. * Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions. Maintains cooperative and collaborative relationships with colleagues and facility staff. Performs other work as assigned by Nurse Manager III or Nurse Program Manager V. * Must be able to travel 80% with overnight stays. * Conducts various types of visits including quality monitoring visits, rapid response team visits, and in-service visits as assigned. Monitors and evaluates facility systems through observations, interviews and record reviews identifying facility strengths and opportunities for improvement. May act as a team coordinator on Rapid Response Team visits. Monitors and evaluates facility systems through observations, interviews, and record reviews identifying facility strengths and weakness making recommendations on opportunities for improvement. Instructs, counsels, and assist nursing facilities to achieve best practice. Reviews facilities policy/procedures and performance reports to determine if the facility's systems are consistent with evidence-based best practice. (60%) * Documents accurate and complete reports of monitoring visits. Communicates accurate information, findings, recommendations, and technical assistance to the facility administrator and staff. Disseminates and teaches from appropriate education tools and materials. (20%) * Provides in-service education and other training to facility professional staff regarding evidence-based best practices. (10%) * Communicates with various audiences (internally or externally) to provide clinical information, answer inquiries, address issues, and/or resolve problems. Maintains current knowledge in assigned areas by attending unit meetings, seminars, or other training and by continually reviewing program policies, procedures, and any changes. (10%) Knowledge Skills Abilities: * Knowledge of nursing principles and acceptable professional standard of patient care. * Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care as well as an understating of long-term care facility operations. * Knowledge of modern office management practices and procedures and technology tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams productivity tools. * Skill in researching, creating, analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating complex clinical issues. * Skill in communication and public speaking. * Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. * Skill in promoting data-driven decision-making. By identifying trends, concerns, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions. * Skill in working with diverse groups and interests, resolving conflicts, building consensus and problem solving. * Ability to gather, evaluate, analyze facts by observation, interviews, and record reviews. * Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations as they relate to long term care facility. * Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing. * Ability to work collaboratively across HHS/MCS/QMP to accomplish objectives. * Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities. * Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with moderate direction. * Ability to lift twenty-five pounds. Registration or Licensure Requirements: * This position requires a current Texas Registered Nurse license or licensure by a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact (in good standing) and a current Texas driver's license. Initial Selection Criteria: * Graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing preferred. An associate in nursing is accepted. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis with a maximum of four years. * Minimum of 3 years of nursing experience is required. * Must be able to travel up to 80% including overnight travel and hours other than 8am-5pm and days other than Monday-Friday. Additional Information: * All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check. 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: * Military Job Codes: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46NX, 46SX may relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for 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