Nurse II

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Nurse II at Vernon State Hospital in Vernon, TX. The role involves direct patient care under the Nurse Administrator, coordinating with nursing staff, and ensuring continuous 24-hour care on assigned units.

Expect shift flexibility, potential overtime, and a dynamic, team-based environment. The position is full-time and located at Vernon State Hospital with a regular schedule and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
• Assesses the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and documents assessment and plans to guide treatment.
• Provides direct nursing care to individual patients and coordinates with Nurse Coordinator and managers to ensure 24-hour continuity of care.

Job description

Date: Aug 18, 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 IIJob Title: Nurse IIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: MaxSecPsych NursingPosting Number: 20152Closing Date: 11/16/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Healthcare SupportSalary Range: $6,579.41 - $7,761.50Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22Shift: Regular Weekend DayAdditional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); WeekendsTelework: Not Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 5%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital
Job Location City: VERNON
Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR
Other Locations: Vernon
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.
Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Administrator
urse Manager, observes, assesses, plans, intervenes and evaluates outcomes and documents all aspects of patient care. Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served. May coordinate scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary proactive management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other Nurse Managers, and MH Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. Assumes duties of the Nurse Coordinator during absence. Is flexible in work schedule. Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Understands that duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
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.
This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed in the evenings, nights and/or weekends.
This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
Assess the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient record in order to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care. Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses by addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions.
Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours in order to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed.
Carries out medical staff orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Meets with unit nursing staff to inform and disseminate information.
Provides and documents individual/group teaching to patients regarding medications, illness, special treatment, etc. utilizing appropriate teaching/response methods for various age groups and cognitive levels to facilitate patient learning.
Implements special precautions as ordered, explain and document rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.
Participates in the client abuse and neglect process, assures patient safety, and meets patient needs, monitors, and implements Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS). Follows all established protocols, policies, and procedures. Participates as the nursing representative in Performance improvement teams. Coordinates and administers effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
Attends mandatory trainings, participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients.
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.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of recognized American Nurses Association Nursing Standards.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act.
Skills in supervisory and management techniques.
Skills and ability to perform CPR, agency approved aggression management and restraint techniques, and emergency care in a medical or psychiatric emergency.
Skills for positive interaction with patients, staff, families