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

Nurse II

Performs complex nursing and consultative work for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program, under the supervision of the NBS Group Manager. Responsibilities include follow-up (clinical care coordination) of infants and children with one or more of the disorders identified by the Newborn Screening Program. Work involves consulting with staff, families, physicians, hospital staff, nurses, social workers, consumers, and local and regional health agencies to coordinate re-testing and needed evaluation, and treatment; assisting with policy, procedure, and protocol development and modification; participating in creating and delivering written and verbal program communications and educational materials; assisting in the development of program enhancements designed to improve efficiency and evaluation of services; attending consultant and clinical care coordination meetings, educational workshops, and symposiums; providing backup to ancillary staff of Nurses and Public Health and Prevention Specialists when required; and performing "On Call" work during holidays and weekends on a rotating basis. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (45%) Provides professional follow-up of infants and children with clinically significant disorders identified through the Newborn Screening Program processes. Monitors, modifies, executes, and ensures currency of protocols for use by nursing and administrative staff. Uses appropriate and available tracking procedures to locate infants in need of treatment and/or retesting. Coordinates between central office, regional case management staff, hospitals, physicians, public health professionals, and consultants as well as agencies of other states to track and assist in ensuring infants are afforded appropriate medical treatment. Provides quality assurance activities for Public Health and Prevention Specialists. (20%) Provides professional follow-up of infants with any of the disorders identified by the Newborn Screening Program as required by the Newborn Screening Medical Director. Enters clinical care coordination notes into the laboratory information management system following polices and procedures. (10%) Provides technical guidance to Public Health and Prevention Specialist staff assigned to various teams in the Newborn Screening Program. (10%) Answers telephone inquiries about the Newborn Screening Program. (5%) Distributes educational material and literature to professional and laypersons. Participates in planning, developing, and executing workshops for professionals. Develops posters for presentations. Makes formal and informal presentations using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. (5%) Collects, tabulates, evaluates, and analyzes program statistical data for effectiveness. Maintains statistics to respond to information requests and to prepare reports and correspondence. Maintains close liaison with other state programs (Laboratory, Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program, etc.) to ensure coordination. (5%) Other duties as assigned may 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 alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Medical knowledge of disorders screened by the Newborn Screening Program. Medical knowledge of recommended treatment screened by disorders. Knowledge of statistical data collection methods. Knowledge of medical care resources in Texas. Knowledge of lab issues; interpreting lab results. Knowledge of training processes. Skill in use of electronic medical record system, Internet, and Microsoft Office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook). Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in problem solving. Ability to work independently. Ability to work productively with people from varying socio-economic groups and cultural backgrounds. Ability to establish goals, objectives, to organize workloads, and set priorities to meet deadlines. Ability to develop educational materials and programs. Ability to compile and analyze data for statistical reports. Ability to communicate and deal tactfully with the public. Ability to execute protocols, procedures, and correspondence for program operation. Ability to handle confidential issues and material. Ability to manage multiple and diverse tasks/projects. Ability to communicate with others to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas. Initial Selection Criteria: 1. Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. 2. At least one (1) years of experience in an area related to nursing or public health nursing in perinatal, maternal, and/or maternal-infant health preferred: 3. A bachelor's degree in nursing is preferred. 4. Experience in communicating program policy, procedures and medical reports and tests via telephone or in person. 5. Experience handling confidential issues and materials, including medical records. 6. Experience in using computer systems and/or databases, and Microsoft Word and Excel. 7. Experience working with public health and/or health care policy development. 8. Experience working with maternal-infant health programs. Additional Information: "IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION: Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills, and qualifications for each position you have held in the Employment History section of application. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position. Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate's qualifications will dictate final salary offer. This position is in Austin with the option for telework in accordance with agency and division policy. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check. 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. MOS Code: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX 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