Senior Direct Care Registered Nurse with associate degree in nursing (SDCRN - ADN)

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Senior Direct Care Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to join the nursing team at Lufkin State Supported Living Center in Pollok, Texas. This position serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral challenges, providing complex nursing care in a campus-based setting.

As a Senior Direct Care Registered Nurse, you will perform highly complex nursing assessments, care coordination, and integrated treatment for residents. You will work the evening shift and may be required to work rotating schedules, extended shifts, and overtime as needed. This is a full-time, regular position with considerable independence and latitude for clinical judgment.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly complex and technical nursing tasks and procedures including tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, and breathing treatments in accordance with HHSC, SSLC, and state regulations
• Administer medications, immunizations, and treatments; observe patients for unusual symptoms and reactions
• Conduct detailed initial assessments for new admissions in collaboration with the assigned RN Case Manager and present key findings to providers and interdisciplinary team members
• Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess individuals' response to planned care
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and conduct appropriate screening tests
• Communicate findings and recommendations to other nurses, Primary Care Providers, and staff
• Coordinate and organize nursing services and activities for assigned home/unit to ensure effective and efficient task completion
• Monitor individuals' weight, diet, feedings, vital signs, and signs and symptoms of illness; use appropriate nursing judgment to provide adequate care including initiating acute care plans
• Make rounds and work in other locations at the SSLC as needed; discuss pressing issues or concerns with appropriate supervisors
• Provide consultation, training, and technical assistance to direct support professionals (DSPs) about individuals' unique care needs
• Develop in-service training and health education strategies related to assigned individuals
• Provide leadership and oversight within assigned home/unit/department, including overseeing work of Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and coaching and monitoring services provided by LVNs
• Act as a preceptor for other registered nurses as assigned; train and instruct new nurses on nursing functions at the SSLC
• Serve as Nurse Manager in their absence as appointed
• Provide day-to-day supervision support to Nurse Managers including reviewing controlled drug counts, medication counts, emergency checklist logs, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls
• Assist LVNs and RNs with implementation of protocols, procedures, and programs to improve health and safety
• Assist with completing follow-up assessments, guidelines, acute care plan interventions, chronic care plan interventions, injury reports, restraints, and medication variances
• Document and report pertinent treatments and observations in the individual's electronic medical record (EMR) in accordance with SSLC procedures and protocols
• Work independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments; identify and implement various courses of action for routine and non-routine situations
• Analyze data, evaluate nursing intervention outcomes, and provide input to interdisciplinary team members to assist in assessing treatment plans
• Attend and provide information to meetings related to status and care of assigned individuals such as daily morning medical, Incident Management Review Team (IMRT), or IDT meetings
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals; follow safety and infection control procedures
• Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment
• Participate in facility Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement initiatives and make recommendations to supervisors on process improvements
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation

Clinical Setting

The Lufkin State Supported Living Center serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The center provides campus-based direct services and supports.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility
• Experience in assessment and documentation of health status
• Current CPR certification
• Strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR, safe use of restraint (SUR), and Ukeru techniques (once trained)
• Must pass 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 between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized training or experience working with individuals with complex medical and behavioral health issues
• Experience working with individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Schedule and Shift

• Evening shift
• Full-time position
• Flexibility in work hours may be required
• May be required to work overtime and/or extended hours
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
• Position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends
• Position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $7,532.75 - $8,886.16 monthly
• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement
• All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing

Travel

• Up to 5% travel may be required

Additional Information

• Not eligible for telework
• Position is exempt from FLSA overtime requirements
• Posting Number: 19931
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• HHSC uses E-Verify; you must bring I-9 documentation on your first day of work
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability