Staff Nurse

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission in Texas is seeking a Staff Nurse (Nurse I) at Big Spring State Hospital. This RN position requires state licensure, supports inpatient psychiatric care, and offers a stable salary with comprehensive benefits.

You will assess patients, administer medications, and contribute to treatment plans under supervision, while maintaining a safe, therapeutic milieu. Flexibility for shifts and weekend work is often required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program or four-year college with major coursework in nursing.
• Licensed to practice as an RN in Texas; reciprocity may apply.
• If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license.
• Males 18–25 must register with Selective Service.
• Flexibility in work hours; overtime or extended hours may be required.
• Applicants must pass background checks and comply with immunization policies.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly; may work rotating shifts, extended shifts, or overtime.
• Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing needs.
• Observes and reports patient status to the team including psychiatrists.
• Develops recovery plans with the team and implements nursing interventions.
• Administers medications and maintains MAR logs and controlled substances records.
• Trains staff on psychiatric nursing principles and milieu management.
• Monitors safety and therapeutic environment; applies restraints or seclusion if needed.

Skills

Nursing techniques

Medical diagnoses

Medical treatments

Nursing care principles

Care and treatment of patients

Computer skills

Effective communication

Education

RN licensure (Texas)

Graduation from accredited nursing program

Job description

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: Staff Nurse Job Title: Nurse I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Nursing Posting Number: 15981Closing Date: 10/06/2026Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $5,746.66- $6,779.25Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20Shift: Regular Weekend Day Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends 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: Big Spring State Hospital

Job Location City: BIG SPRING

Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87

Other Locations: Big Spring

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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The 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 I (Staff Nurse) performs entry‑level to routine (journey‑level) nursing work at a competent level in the state hospital under the supervision of the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager (Nurse II/III). Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients nursing care needs using specialized skills in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Identifies nursing diagnoses or problem lists and formulates an initial plan of care based on assessment data. Establishes unit routines and develops and maintains the therapeutic milieu. Makes observations of patient behavior and status and reports to the psychiatrist, other recovery team members, and supervising nurse, as appropriate. Carries out nursing interventions as identified in the multidisciplinary recovery plan. Administers medications as ordered and maintains medication administration and controlled drug records according to facility policy. Trains other staff members as necessary, or as requested. Works under moderate supervision, with limited 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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

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.

Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.

Observes and analyzes patient behavior and status, and documents in the medical record or reports, as needed, to other team members, including the attending psychiatrist.

Develops or contributes to the development of the individualized recovery plan in collaboration with other recovery team members, based on data obtained from the assessment.

Provides comprehensive individual or group health teaching and coping strategies to patients and/or families in order to meet patient/family needs.

Utilizes one-to-one counseling skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.

Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.

Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.

Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu assuring a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.

Provides training to other staff in psychiatric nursing principles, unit routines, and milieu management.

Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.

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 nursing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures
• Knowledge of accepted medical treatment programs
• Knowledge community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients
• Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software
• Ability to provide patient care.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Or

Issued a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision awaiting license issue.

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 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

Graduation from an accredited nursing program or four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing.

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 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.