Registered Nurse performs routine nursing duties. Work involves providing for the assessment, care and treatment of individuals. May train others. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under the supervision of the Nurse Manager. The Direct Care RN I may assign nursing responsibilities to the Direct Care LVN in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act. The responsibility of the Direct Care RN is to provide for and supervise the professional nursing care of the individuals who reside in a State Supported Living Center. The Direct Care RN is available to unit personnel to make nursing decisions on a 24-hour basis. She/he is a member of the professional team and shares responsibility with other team members for the development of the individual's program. Work involves communication skills, ie relaying information to other team members, Primary Care Provider (PCP), nurses; data entry, documentation, completing reports, maintaining personnel records, supervisory duties, and following all facility rules/policies. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work regularly 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.
Administers medications, immunizations, and treatment and observes individuals for unusual symptoms and reactions.

Conducts physical assessments of individual health needs and implements appropriate action.

Implements and monitors case management service plans.

Instructs and assists individuals in meeting their health care needs.

Prepares, maintains, and reviews individual records and individual assessments.

May participate in quality assurance reviews.

Complies with all State/Federal/Local standards; Facility Policy, ICF Standards, and Texas Nurse Practice Act.

Manages individual's medical record (paper chart/EHR).

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

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.
Ability to provide individual care, to prepare and maintain records, to explain public health law, and to communicate effectively.
Must maintain current CPR certification.
Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas (or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact). Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited 4 year or 2 year college or university is required.
Work experience in nursing 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.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

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

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

MOS Code:
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. 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