Nurse I - Med Surg

Company: North Texas State Hospital - Vernon Campus
Location: Vernon
Posted on: November 15, 2022

Job Description:

Nurse IAre 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 RN works at Competency Program from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

The Nurse I (Staff Nurse) performs entry-level to routine (journey-level) nursing work

at a competent level in the state hospital under the supervision of the Charge Nurse or

Nurse Manager (Nurse II/III). Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients

nursing care needs using specialized skills in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Identifies

nursing diagnoses or problem lists and formulates an initial plan of care based on

assessment data. Establishes unit routines and develops and maintains the

therapeutic milieu. Makes observations of patient behavior and status and reports to

the psychiatrist, other recovery team members, and supervising nurse, as appropriate.

Carries out nursing interventions as identified in the multidisciplinary recovery plan.

Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration and

controlled drug records according to facility policy. Trains other staff members as

necessary, or as requested. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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.

Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.

Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status, and documents in the medical record or reports, as needed, to other team members, including the attending psychiatrist.

Develops or contributes to the development of the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with other recovery team members, based on data obtained from the assessment.

Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families in order to meet patient/family needs.

Utilizes one-to-one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.

Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.

Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.

Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu assuring a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.

Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.

Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.

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 nursing techniques and procedures

Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures

Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs

Knowledge community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures

Skills in the care and treatment of patients

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software

Ability to provide patient care

Ability to prepare and maintain records

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a 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 Additional Information:

Requisition Number 527938

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow the state hospital nursing compensation plan.

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.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided

Temperature screenings

Social distancing guidelines in place

Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Vaccines available for employees

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: 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.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

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.

Keywords: North Texas State Hospital - Vernon Campus, Wichita Falls , Nurse I - Med Surg, Healthcare , Vernon, Texas