Nurse I Under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager, performs charge nurse duties to include providing direction, supervision, counseling, and evaluation of other nursing staff. Is responsible for the management of age appropriate nursing care for a group of patients for a shift. Makes assignments and coordinates scheduling for assigned area. Works closely with Nurse Supervisor and other charge nurses to ensure adequate staffing and 24 hour continuity of care. Has broad latitude for independent judgment. May administer direct patient care and may assist staff in providing care. Assumes duties of Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor in their absence. Provides and coordinates shift performance improvement activities and educational programs. "Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligation 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:
1. 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.
2. Performs charge nurse duties to include assigning, supervising, counseling and evaluating care provided by other nursing staff. Ensures that age appropriate care is professionally provided to a group of patients for a shift. May administer direct care utilizing the nursing process and accepted nursing standards and may assist staff in providing care.
3. Coordinates scheduling and staffing with Nurse Supervisor and other charge nurses to ensure adequate staffing and 24 hour continuity of care.
4. Participates with multi-disciplinary team to develop and revise treatment plan as well as discharge planning; maintains open communication with patients, families, and team members. Includes patients and families in planning care. May collaborate with locating community resources for continuing care.
5. Teaches patients, families, staff and others about tuberculosis to include the disease process and treatment, medications and side effects. Documents teaching provided in a legible format. Provides in-services for staff development and participates in the orientation of new employees.
6. Conducts and coordinates performance improvement activities and educational processes for a unit for a shift. Seeks opportunities to improve quality of care provided. Coordinates unit performance improvement activities with other charge nurses.
7. 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:
1. Knowledge of application of DSHS and TCID policies, procedures, and record keeping requirements relating to patient care.
2. Knowledge of current treatment of tuberculosis and multi drug-resistant TB. Knowledge of Joint Commission, HCFA and state and federal regulations pertaining to health care and accreditation standards and criteria.
3. Knowledge of principles of supervision and management. Knowledge of Performance Improvement principles and Positive Performance program.
4. Knowledge of infection control practices to prevent spread of tuberculosis and nosocomial infections.
5. Knowledge required to provide age appropriate care to young adults, adults, and geriatric individuals.
6. Knowledge of human development. Skill in performing clinical nursing and competencies to perform the essential tasks of the position.
7. Skill in performing CPR Skill in performing approved techniques to prevent and safely manage aggressive behavior.
8. Skill in assessing and teaching patients and staff. Skill in providing age appropriate nursing care to young adults, adults, and geriatric patients.
9. Ability to provide meaningful participation in Performance Improvement activities.
10. Ability to provide professional patient care, to teach and supervise the work of others and to develop and maintain records.
11. Ability to read, write and understand English to communicate with patients, families and staff.
12. Ability to communicate clearly and positively with patients and staff.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be registered as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Must be registered as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

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.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facilities.

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

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

MOS Code:
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.

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.

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.