Nurse II

We are seeking a dedicated Nurse II to provide high‑quality psychiatric nursing care at Big Spring State Hospital. The role involves direct patient care, supervision of nursing staff, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in a 24‑hour environment.

• Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager, observes, assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates outcomes, documenting all aspects of patient care.
• Possesses specialized knowledge of the psychiatric patient population, coordinating scheduling and providing proactive management of the service area during assigned shifts.
• Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff, ensuring continuity of care in collaboration with Nurse Coordinators, other Nurse Managers, and the MH Supervisor/Specialist.
• Assumes duties of the Nurse Coordinator during absences, maintaining flexible scheduling and independent judgment.
• Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed, with readiness for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Performs additional duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, continuity of operations, and other agency obligations.
• Attends mandatory trainings and participates in ongoing in‑service education to meet the needs of patients across diverse age groups and cognitive levels.
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned by the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager.

• Attends work regularly, following scheduled shifts, rotating schedules, and overtime as per agency leave policy.
• Assesses the health/mental status of patients upon admission and transfer, documenting assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in the patient record.
• Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques safely per American Heart Association specifications.
• Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units, addressing performance problems promptly and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Facilitates smooth admissions and transfers, communicating with admissions staff and reviewing documentation to ensure appropriate triage.
• Carries out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to standards and hospital policies.
• Provides individual and group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, and treatment, using appropriate methods for various age and cognitive levels.
• Implements special precautions, restraints, and seclusion procedures per policy, ensuring patient safety and rights.
• Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, monitors patient needs, and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS).
• Participates as the nursing representative in performance improvement teams and coordinates utilization of nursing personnel on assigned units.
• Attends mandatory trainings and ongoing in‑service and education programs appropriate to the patient population.
• Performs any other duties assigned by the Nurse Administrator or Nurse Manager.

• Knowledge of American Nurses Association Nursing Standards.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Proficiency in supervisory and management techniques.
• Ability to perform CPR, agency‑approved aggression management, restraint techniques, and emergency care in medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• Skill in positive interaction with patients, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

• Graduation from a nursing program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• At least six (6) months of experience as a practicing registered nurse.
• At least six (6) months of experience in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility (preferred).
• Bachelor's degree preferred.