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

Nurse II

Nurse II assists the Nurse Manager with performing clinical and managerial tasks for the 24 hour operation of one or more patient care units. Works under the supervision of the Nurse Manager and functions with broad latitude for independent decision making. Assists with interviewing with selecting new employees, evaluating and coaching staff, mentoring charge nurses and others in assessing learning needs of staff members. Demonstrates clinical expertise in caring for population served and in developing performance improvement measures and participates in competency assessments. Coordinates emergency preparedness, safety functions and infection control activities for the unit. Performs duties of Nurse Manager in the manager's absence and may serve as Nurse Supervisor. Assists with hospital wide training programs. 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. Assists in the clinical and administrative management of a 24-hour patient care unit. Participates in interview and selection of applicants for nursing staff positions. Participates in new employee orientation, assessing staff competency and staff development. Evaluates and counsels staff. Coordinates clinical performance improvement activities among charge nurses. 3. Assists charge nurses with staff scheduling and staffing. Provides education and training collaboration with the Nurse Educator and identifies areas for improved performance. 4. Communicates effectively with patients, families, staff members and others to meet the mission of the Hospital and to provide information regarding care and treatment for Tuberculosis. Demonstrates clinical expertise in caring for patients with tuberculosis and other diseases and in developing performance improvement measures. Work on the unit, taking patient assignments as needed to provide adequate staffing. Provides or assists with providing care as needed. 5. Mentors charge nurses and others to reach peak performance. Teaches and evaluates knowledge of unit staff regarding infection control, safety measures and emergency preparedness. 6. Establishes performance improvement monitors for safety, infection control and emergency preparedness and coordinates with unit charge nurses to ensure uniform monitoring. Takes appropriate actions pending outcomes. 7. Assists with hospital wide training programs. 8. Communicates effectively in written and verbal form. Demonstrates ability to use computer technology. 9. Performs duties of Nurse Manager in manager's absence. May serve as Nurse Supervisor. Assumes responsibility for his/her own continuing education and professional development. Provides staff in-services and conducts staff meetings. Serves on hospital or department committees. 10. 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 Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Texas Center for Infectious Disease (TCID) policies and procedures. 2. Knowledge of principles of adult learning. 3. Knowledge of current treatment for tuberculosis. 4. Knowledge of JCAHO, CMS and state and federal regulations pertaining to health care and accreditation standards. Skill in teaching these requirements to others. 5. Knowledge of applicable safety, infection control and emergency preparedness activities relating to TCID. 6. Knowledge of human development to the extent that teaching techniques may be adapted to care of young adults, adults and geriatric individuals. 7. Skill in conducting small and large teaching sessions. 8. Skill in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). 9. Skill in performing clinical nursing functions and the ability to teach such functions. 10. Skill in assessing learning needs. 11. Skill in the care and treatment of patients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software. 12. Ability to provide meaningful participation in Performance Improvement activities. 13. Ability to develop and maintain competency records for clinical knowledge and skills for TCID clinical staff. 14. Ability to communicate clearly and positively with patients and staff. 15. Ability to read, write, and speak English. In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities must be able to meet the following physical tasks: Repeated bending, simple grasping, finger/manual dexterity, vision, hearing, reach above shoulder, simultaneous grasping, twist upper body, and can move approximately 150 lbs with or without assistance. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must be registered as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Initial Selection Criteria: 1. One (1) year of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility. 2. Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners preferred. 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. 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