Employee Health Nurse

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.

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 III (Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse) performs advanced (senior-level) professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse Plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates infection control activities and independently makes changes and recommendations for improvements.

Leads the hospital in the development and implementation of the system-wide infection control program (including employee health) operations, policies and procedures, ensuring infection prevention is implemented and maintained regarding health issues and practices. Evaluates the effectiveness of the infection control program through the analysis of statistical data and performance evaluation reports. Leads groups and leads an effective/productive committee to continually address infection control issues. Works in cooperation with the local and state health department and ensures adherence to federal regulations and requirements. Supervises others as required. Works under limited supervision with considerable 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.

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.

Develops, writes, and implements policies and procedures pertaining to Infection Control issues to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, including but not limited to The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Control program.

Reviews literature and research findings to keep abreast of current infectious diseases and infection prevention; and serves as the resource person for infection control issues.

Ensures that Standard Precautions are being implemented and used when necessary. Upon notification of an identified infection, assesses the situation, implements isolation precautions or other preventative measures to prevent the spread of diseases, monitors and follows up to ensure that infection control procedures are implemented, and individual treatment plans are implemented/ modified as needed.

Interprets infection control situations and communicates them effectively in writing and orally. Collects, at least, weekly reports detailing all infections on campus, antibiotic use, culture report results, and reports findings, trends, and interventions to the Infection Control Committee.

Chairs and documents result of, at least monthly, Infection Control Committee meetings.

Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments. Works closely and collaboratively with the CNE, medical staff, Pharmacy, Nurse Supervisors, Nurse Educator, Competency Training and Development (CTD), Health Department and CDC when applicable.

Develops training and educational programs for all levels of staff understanding. Trains and counsels all levels of staff about routine infection control issues as well as blood borne pathogen exposures, suggestions to address identified risk factors, and coordinates specialized outbreak exposure investigations.

Performs routine Infection Control observations in all departments and on all shifts. Conducts infection control surveillance rounds and utilizes the results to identify areas of risk that can be addressed proactively to prevent new or existing illnesses.

Identifies, compiles, reviews, trends and analyzes data for trends, and implements procedures and training to prevent or halt progression of infectious diseases.

Complies and coordinates, according to evidence-based practice guidelines, the implementation of immunizations in the facility to both patients and staff.

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):

Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.

Knowledge of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control principles and practices in the healthcare setting.

Knowledge of standards and Infection Prevention Control standards related to infection control and utilization management.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and mental health care, CMS conditions of participation and TJC standards related to State Hospitals, or ability to quickly gain knowledge.

Knowledge of nursing care standards and the Healthcare Guidelines, or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment (i.e., CPR), and ability to assess and care for patients and/or staff members in emergency situations.

Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.

Skills in the care and treatment of patients.

Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.

Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to appropriately interact with patients with mental health diagnoses, with their family members, and with staff members.

Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.

Ability to train all levels of staff.

Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SH leadership including on-call administrators.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact as described in Art. 4528b of the Nurse Practice Act.

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. is preferred.

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

Previous experience related to the coordination and management of infectious diseases preferred.

Certification in the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) preferred or must obtain certification within the first 12 months of hire.

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