Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
North Texas State Hospital - Vernon Campus
Vernon, TX

Advanced Practice RN II

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. The Advanced Practice RN is hired by the Medical Director subject to the approval of the Superintendent. Oversees and performs advanced clinical medical care under the supervision of a physician. Assesses, plans, and provides comprehensive patient care independently or in collaboration with other health care professionals. Directs medical activities/treatment, monitors trends and activities, and makes recommendations for improvement. Utilizes advanced nursing skills in the treatment and care of patients to include medical assessments, limited prescriptive authority, and the evaluation of the efficacy and progress of a patient's individualized care plan. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Medical Director/Superintendent, including planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others. Works under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director and/or other supervising physician. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive 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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations. 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. Operates within the scope of their licensure to promote and maintain a therapeutic and safe medical environment. Oversees and provides acute care to individuals, including daily assessment for acute health problems or injury in the clinic and/or infirmary within scope of privileges. The assessment includes diagnosis, treatment, and a plan of care with documentation of the acute issue, assessing injuries, including possible sutures and/or referrals to hospital or emergency room. Prescribes medication, within the scope of their licensure and training. Refers all care decisions that fall outside the scope of licensure and expertise to the treatment team or a physician. Provides chronic care to individuals, which includes a quarterly assessment for individuals with identified chronic health care diagnosis, a review of appropriate treatment specific to the disease process and update or change of medical treatment as warranted and monitoring of the chronic condition. Writes prescriptions and performs medication reviews, within the scope of his/her licensing credentials, training expertise, medical staff privileges, and collaborative agreement. Reports any significant trends or issues which occur to the supervisor and provides suggestions for action based upon their expertise. Provides comprehensive medical care, which includes conducting rounds, review of infirmary and hospitalized patient and on-call cases for status of condition(s) for which individuals are under treatment. Orders and interprets laboratory tests according to procedures and practices with the consultation of a supervising physician, if necessary. Provides medical diagnosis and the review of the treatment plan. Includes review of all the identified risks of the individual, (choking, pneumonia, etc.) as well as their health status, and ensures necessary supports (OT, PT, Nursing, etc.) have been identified and appropriate areas of need are being addressed. Evaluates the efficacy and progress of a patient's treatment plan. Develops accurate and timely documentation, which includes dictation of annual summaries and pre-procedural histories and physicals, documentation of specialty medical consultation, physical and chemical restrains and all acute and chronic patient care. Provides training and/or coaching, within the limits of their scope of practice and expertise, to nurses and APRN Is. Assigns and prioritizes work for assigned staff such as nurses, APRN Is and direct care staff working in the medical department. Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment as needed. 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 methods and procedures in the field of general medicine/nursing including laws and ordinances governing public health and hospital operations. Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment. Knowledge of the principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of case histories and individualized care and treatment plans. Skill in interpretation of interpret laboratory analyses and x-rays. Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment. Ability to supervise the work of others who provide medical care to patients. Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with developmental disabilities. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications. Ability to prepare and maintain medical records. Ability to work productively with professionals and paraprofessionals as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team. Ability to work independently and be flexible in carrying out assigned responsibilities. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Registered nurse in the State of Texas or in another state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Certified as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing. Must have, or can obtain, a current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Must obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI#) as defined by Medicare Part B and enroll as a Medicaid and Medicare Part B provider within six months of hire to this position. Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an advanced practice registered nurse educational program accredited by a national nursing education accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Board of Nursing with a master's degree or higher level. At least 2 years of clinical nursing experience. One (1) year of work as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is preferred. Experience in supervising or leading the work of others 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. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. 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 at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. Vaccines may be provided. 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: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. 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