RN II - Direct Care

Texas Health and Human Services; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time-off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Direct Care RN in Corpus Christi, Texas. This role involves nursing work in a State Supported Living Center, including assessment, care, treatment, and documentation for residents. The position offers substantial benefits, including health insurance and opportunities for career growth.

The selected candidate will handle responsibilities such as administering treatments and monitoring patient health, ensuring high standards of care for individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Texas.
• Work experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.
• At least six months of experience in a health-care facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine nursing tasks and procedures.
• Administer medications, immunizations and treatments.
• Document pertinent treatments and observations.
• Respond to emergency situations and provide safety training.

Skills

Nursing techniques and procedures

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to interact with individuals with disabilities

Experience in emergency procedures

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Tools

Electronic health record system

Job description

Date: Jun 15, 2026

Location: CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

Overview

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. 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, and numerous opportunities for career advancement. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Job Summary

The Direct Care RN performs routine level nursing work within a State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Responsibilities include assessment, care, treatment and documentation of individuals who reside in the SSLC. The role supports LVNs, Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), participates in quality assurance initiatives, and responds to emergency situations.

Essential Job Functions

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, rotating schedule, extended shift or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Serve in on‑call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs.
• Perform routine nursing tasks and procedures such as tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care and breathing treatments.
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and conduct appropriate screening tests.
• Administer medications, immunizations and treatments; observe patients for unusual symptoms and reactions.
• Make rounds and/or home visits as needed and work at other locations within the SSLC.
• Monitor individuals’ weight, diet, feedings and vital signs; detect signs of illness and initiate acute care plans.
• Assist in evaluating nursing intervention outcomes and provide input to the healthcare team with recommendations for improvement.
• Instruct direct support professionals on monitoring individuals after a treatment or procedure.
• Document and report pertinent treatments and observations accurately in the electronic health record or paper chart; prepare reports as required.
• Assist LVNs and CMAs, and provide guidance on protocols, procedures and programs to improve health and safety.
• Support the Nurse Manager by reviewing controlled drug counts, medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temperature logs and glucose controls.
• Assist the Infection Control nurse and Quality Assurance Nurse with disease prevention and therapeutic nursing program implementation.
• Respond to emergency situations and provide safety training to SSLC staff upon request.
• Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures, health care laws and regulations, medical diagnoses and procedures, accepted medical treatment programs, and community health and nursing care principles.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the State Supported Living Center.
• Knowledge of nursing care standards and related agreements, or ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
• Skill in caring and treating patients.
• Skill in using computer/software and an electronic health record system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to provide patient care, prepare and maintain records, interpret policies and procedures, recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and staff members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with all staff levels.
• Ability to support and coach LVNs, CMAs and DSPs.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership.

Licensure, Registrations, 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).

Initial Screening Criteria

• Work experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.
• At least six (6) months of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility is preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree is 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 Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males aged 18 – 25 must register with the Selective Service. All SSLC employees are subject to random drug testing. The position may require overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays.

ADA Accommodations

HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation, notify the scheduling contact.

Pre‑Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. Bring your I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. 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

Corpus Christi