Nurse, Mental Health Nurse

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a Nurse I (Staff Nurse) at Austin State Hospital in Austin, TX. In this role you will work under the supervision of a Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager to deliver comprehensive nursing care in an inpatient psychiatric setting.

• Attend work on a regular basis, following a scheduled or rotating shift pattern, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ nursing care needs, including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social aspects.
• Observe and analyze patient behavior and status, documenting findings and reporting to the psychiatric team as needed.
• Contribute to the development of individualized recovery plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families.
• Utilize counseling skills in therapeutic interactions to help patients identify anxiety and develop coping strategies.
• Initiate and implement population‑specific nursing interventions based on standard care guidelines.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered, maintaining medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records.
• Establish and monitor the therapeutic milieu to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Provide training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.
• Initiate and monitor the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response or continuity of operations activities.

• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures.
• Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs.
• Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles.
• Skill in the care and treatment of patients.
• Skill in using a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to provide patient care.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas, or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Temporary RN permit is acceptable while awaiting full licensure.
• Drivers of state vehicles must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or a four‑year college/university with major coursework in nursing.

• Full‑time eligible employees receive 100% paid employee health insurance.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

4110 Guadalupe, Austin, TX