Nurse III

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 84,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Vernon State Hospital is seeking a Nurse III to provide direct nursing care, supervise staff as needed, and ensure 24-hour continuity of care. This role offers a stable full-time position with opportunities for professional growth within a state hospital environment.

The Nurse III will work under direct supervision, coordinate staffing, perform assessments, and implement nursing interventions while upholding patient rights and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Three years of RN experience in a recognized health facility.
• Texas RN license or reciprocity.
• Graduation from an accredited Nursing Program.
• Ability to work flexible hours and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Assess the health/mental status on admission and ongoing, document assessment and plan.
• Perform CPR/Heimlich according to American Heart Association standards.
• Coordinate staffing and patient care activities on assigned units.
• Provide direction and coordination of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Ensure 24-hour continuity of care with Nurse Coordinator and other leadership.
• Follow hospital policies and procedures, including safety and rights protections.

Skills

CPR and Heimlich

Supervision

Patient care

Documentation

Education

RN license Texas

Job description

Date: Oct 23, 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 III
Job Title: Nurse III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Vernon South Campus
Posting Number: 22637
Closing Date: 11/22/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $7,532.75 - $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
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.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Assistant Chief Nurse Executive, 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. Coordinates scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. May supervise, counsel, and evaluate other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other charge nurses, and Mental Health Supervisor/Specialist to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. May assume duties of the Nurse Coordinator/Nurse Manager during absence. Flexible in work schedule. Has broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by administration to meet the needs of the hospital. 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.

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 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.
• Coordinates and administers the effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.
• Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours 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 practitioners’ orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process.
• Implements special precautions as ordered and 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.
• Attends mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development. Attends and 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. Monitors the use of treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) to ensure the well-being of patients and staff and that TIPS program requirements are adhered to during an episode of patient restraint.
• Communicates openly with Chief Nurse Executive/Asst. Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information to inform and disseminate to staff on assigned units.
• 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, and the public.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgement and critical thinking skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

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

If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Three (3) years of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.
• Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.

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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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