Direct Care Nurse (bedside)

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The Direct Care Nurse provides complex bedside nursing care in the Texas Center for Infectious Disease. Key responsibilities include coordinating patient care, administering medications, and assesses, plans, evaluates and implements care. This position delivers individualized care to pre- and post-surgery patients, including those with infectious diseases, participates in performance improvement and safety activities, and may also act as a charge nurse or Nurse Supervisor as needed, assisting with rehabilitation and supporting patient transport.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Provides compassionate, patient-centered care including personal hygiene assistance, medication administration, and symptom monitoring. Performs patient assessments, documents findings, and develops care plans. Assists with discharge planning and educates patients and families. Supports rehabilitative activities, assists with mobility, and help patients with daily care tasks. Ensures safe and effective delivery of care while adhering to nursing standards and protocols and maintaining confidentiality. (45%)

EJF 2: Assists medical providers during exams and procedures, collaborates with multidisciplinary team members, and maintains communication for continuity of care. Oversees daily nursing assignments, manages staffing schedules, and provides support to staff based on patient needs and acuity. Ensure adherence to policies and protocols and addresses patient and staff needs promptly. Supports regulatory compliance through internal audits, quality assurance programs, and preparation for external surveys. (20%)

EJF 3: Adheres to infection control policies, maintains and sanitizes medical equipment, ensures safe patient transport, and handles equipment maintenance. Follows safety protocols, maintains clean and safe environment, ensures proper disposal of medical waste, and manages supply inventory. (15%)

EJF 4: Educate patients and families on care plans, health management, and discharge instructions. Participates in community outreach, conducts health education presentations, and provides consultation and training to staff and the medical community. (10%)

EFJ 5: Other duties as assigned including participating in disaster response and Continuity of Operations activation which may require an alternative shift pattern or travel to different locations. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of DSHS and TCID policies and procedures; principles of adult learning; current treatment for tuberculosis; Joint Commission, CMS and state and federal regulations pertaining to health care and accreditation standards; safety, infection control, and emergency preparedness activities; human development.

Skill in teaching state and federal requirements to others; conducting teaching sessions; performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); performing clinical nursing functions and the ability to teach such functions; assessing learning needs; care and treatment of patients; and operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to participate in performance improvement activities; develop and maintain competency records for clinical staff; communicate positively with patients and staff.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

1. Must a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

2. Must possess valid Texas driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days of hire date). 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:

1. Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.

3. One (1) year of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

Additional Information:

Selected candidates must be able to meet the following:

• Repeated bending, simple and simultaneous grasping, finger/manual dexterity, vision, hearing, reach above shoulder, twist upper body, move approximately 150 pounds with or without assistance. 
• Perform assigned duties while wearing the required respiratory protective equipment which will be fitted for employees.
• Comply with a Tobacco Free Campus and all employment checks and testing.

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form