Nurse Educator

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 73,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for employees

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Nurse Educator (Nurse III) at Vernon State Hospital in Vernon, TX. The role coordinates nursing education, orients new staff, and ensures competency across the nursing team in a state hospital setting.

The position requires Texas RN licensure, CPR certification, and BSN preferred, with 3+ years of RN experience. Telework not eligible; on-site duties with potential overtime and COOP responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Texas.
• BSN preferred.
• Current CPR certification.
• Three years of RN experience in a health care facility.

Responsibilities

• Orients new nursing staff to facility protocols and procedures.
• Evaluates competency of nursing staff and updates training materials.
• Coordinates the Nursing Education Program and develops nursing guidelines.
• Provides training on health maintenance and preventive care to staff.

Skills

Nursing knowledge

Curriculum development

Staff training

Education

RN license in Texas

BSN preferred

Tools

Electronic health record (EHR) system

Job description

Date: Aug 12, 2026
Location: VERNON, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Nurse Educator Job Title: Nurse III Nurse Educator Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Residential Care Supervisor H Posting Number: 20040 Closing Date: 08/26/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Support Salary Range: $6,579.41 - $8,886.16 Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital Job Location City: VERNON Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR Other Locations: MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Nurse Educator performs advanced professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse. Works under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Nursing Education Program at the State Hospital (SH). Orients all newly hired nurses and assists in the orientation of student nurses. Evaluates and tests the competency skills and knowledge of all new and incumbent nursing staff. Coordinates and develops systems to ensure nursing education/competency is provided for all nurses. Assists the Nursing Coordinator and the state-office work group in writing and revising the nursing guidelines. Promotes and initiates professional, legal, and ethical nursing practice at the SH. Makes varied decisions based on broad principles and guidelines. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be requested 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.

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.

Orients new nursing staff to facility protocols, guidelines, and procedures.

Keeps abreast of current nursing philosophy, techniques, and regulations and imparts this information to others.

Evaluates competency of new and tenured nursing staff in nursing skills/knowledge so that optimal health care is delivered to patients served.

Interprets regulations and communicates them effectively orally and in writing and assists in writing and revising nursing guidelines.

Complies with state/federal/local guidelines and/or standards.

Ability to track, maintain, and update data related to Nursing Education.

Coordinates the orientation of nursing students as applicable.

Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments.

Provides/coordinates training and education to all levels of staff regarding health maintenance/prevention issues.

Serves on designated committees as assigned.

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

Performs other duties as assigned. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.

Knowledge of nursing care standards, The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system or ability to quickly gain knowledge.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to SHs or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.

Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.

Skill in the care and treatment of patients.

Able to articulate strategies on leading, coaching, and/or supervising others.

Ability to prioritize and to manage multiple responsibilities.

Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment.

Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to effectively perform in a work group or team environment.

Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with mental health issues, with their family members, and with staff members.

Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.

Ability to train all levels of staff.

Ability to create curriculum, assign, and teach competency-based training to all nursing staff and others.

Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SH leadership including on-call administrators.

Ability to maintain current CPR certification, TIPS certification.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

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

Current CPR certification

Initial Screening Criteria

Three (3) years of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

BSN preferred.

years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

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

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. 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 these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. 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.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Wichita Falls