RN I - Mental Health - SH - Mental Health

Company: Rio Grande State Center / South Texas Health Care
Location: Harlingen
Posted on: March 15, 2023

Job Description:

RN I - Mental Health - SHAre 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 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 science-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan.

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 annuity as well as 401(K) and 457 Programs under the Employee Retirement System of Texas.

The Nurse I performs entry level nursing work. Works under close supervision and receives guidance and leadership from the Nurse II and III. Reports to Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager. Supervises and provided guidance to LVNs, and Mental Health Workers. Assesses, plans, and directs the implementation of nursing care; performs nursing assessments; functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team; provides direct care for individual patients; complies with established policies and procedures of the Nursing Services Department, the Hospital, and the agency. Promotes, establishes, and maintains the therapeutic milieu. assists in teaching and directing other personnel; may relieve as charge nurse or act as supervisor in his/her absence. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

"Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

"Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable)."

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.

Under supervision of and consultation with a more experienced nurse (RNII or III), assesses the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in patient record in order to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.

Administers medications as ordered by various methods using the "6 Rights" and transcribes and notes orders related to medication administration in order to provide safe medications administration.

Completes medication administration record, and completes control drug count and record following established policies and procedures in order to comply with federal standards and regulations and ensure accurate and complete documentation of the medication administration process.

Implements special precautions as ordered and explains and documents rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards in order to maintain patient safety, protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.

Provides and documents individual/group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, special treatment. etc. utilizing appropriate teaching/response methods for various age groups and cognitive levels in order to facilitate patient learning.

Attends mandatory training in order to ensure staff competence and development. Attends and participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group in order to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.

Utilizes therapeutic communication skills in interactions with patients in various age groups in a caring, respectful manner in order to promote the healing process and return of the patient to the least restrictive environment.

Carries out physician's orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures.

Monitors TIPS techniques in the absence of other staff, implements TIPS techniques in order to ensure well being of patients and staff.

If working nights, maintains a quiet and restful environment to promote patient's rest and sleep by utilizing therapeutic interventions with patients exhibiting altered sleep patterns.

Will observe, promote and obey the safety rules applicable to all aspects of facility and department operations as described, (or referenced, in the Safety Management Program SOP 300-41) to ensure no injuries occur to self, other staff, consumers and visitors due to the failure to follow facility standards.

Completes continuing education as required by the Board of Nursing Examiners of TX and provides for own professional growth.

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; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment programs; and of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.

Knowledge and understanding of the Positive Performance Program and of the general principles and tools of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and the ability to implement CQI principles in daily activities and constructively participate in quality improvement activities.

Ability to provide individual care, to prepare and maintain records, to explain public health law, and to communicate effectively.

Ability to read, write, and understand English so as to effectively communicate with patients, families, and subordinates' staff

Ability to provide patient care, to train and/or supervise the work of others, and to prepare and maintain records.

Must be physically and mentally able to perform TIPS, CPR, and other related tasks.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact).

Current RN Licensure

Current CPR certification by American Heart Association

If transporting patients, must possess valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Must be a registered nurse by the State of Texas.

Experience in performing fundamental and skilled nursing procedures.

Experience in working in a clinical setting with mental health and mental illness population.

Knowledge of National Patient Safety Goals in relation to patient care.

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.

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

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.

The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the posted minimum of the salary range.

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.

Requisition#538003 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.

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: Rio Grande State Center / South Texas Health Care , Harlingen , RN I - Mental Health - SH - Mental Health, Healthcare , Harlingen, Texas