Chief Nurse Executive

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:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses.

The Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) performs highly advanced nursing work establishing policies and procedures for, and guiding, directing, and overseeing the daily operations and activities of the nursing programs and services for the State Supported Living Center (SSLC) within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Oversees, coordinates, monitors and evaluates all nursing services including 24-hour direct care nursing services, nursing education, infection control practices, wound care, and nursing case management. Ensures the delivery of high-quality nursing services to individuals with intellectual disabilities who also have complex medical, psychiatric and/or behavioral health needs. Oversees the development of guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations and monitors for compliance. Directs and oversees nursing staff participation in the interdisciplinary team process. Collaborates and coordinates closely with the Medical Director and other department heads. Evaluates the effectiveness and quality of the services provided using available data and ensures compliance with protocols. Directs and oversees the work of the Nursing Operations Officer and specialty nursing positions. Arranges for and oversees contracted nursing staff when needed. Provides direct care nursing services when needed. Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on nursing protocols, and activities. Provides consultation to nursing staff on complex cases. Provides and coordinates treatment to employees injured in course and scope of employment. Ensures optimum performance of the nursing department toward full compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement. Oversees monitoring of nursing compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and rules. Reviews special investigations and reports and develops corrective action plans and quality improvement plans. Identifies areas of needed change using prudent independent nursing judgment and takes action to improve operations. Professionally represents the nursing department at meetings, conferences, and committees. Serves a as a member of the SSLC’s executive leadership team and on other assigned committees. Works under the minimal supervision of the SSLC Director and has extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Directs and oversees the daily operations and business functions of the nursing department to ensure high quality nursing treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have complex medical, psychiatric and/or behavioral health needs. Oversees processes to develop and execute a nurse staffing plan that ensures the continuous (24-hours/day, 7 days/week) timely availability of nursing staff to meet resident care needs and support the SSLC mission. Analyzes data from multiple sources for trends, systemic issues, and areas for improvement. Utilizes data as a basis to identify and address patterns and trends as they relate to the delivery of nursing care. Proactively identifies issues and implements solutions. Promotes safety and wellbeing of staff at the SSLC. Oversees infection control practices and nursing response to illness outbreaks. Provides and coordinates treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Directs and oversees the work of the Nursing Operations Officer (NOO) and specialty nursing positions such as the infection control practitioner, hospital liaison nurse, RN case managers, program compliance nurse and nurse educator and administrative/clerical staff. Supervises other types of staff as needed depending upon SSLC structure. Hires, trains, and promotes professional growth of the employees within the department so that a competent workforce is maintained. Ensures that all departmental staff are compliant in training per agency and facility standards. Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff to give employees timely feedback on their performance and oversees staff development plans and activities. Ensures all nursing licenses remain current. Acts to improve employee retention and reduce turnover. Arranges for and oversees contracted nursing staff when needed.

Oversees monitoring of nursing compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and rules. Formulates and implements plans, to ensure optimum performance of the nursing department and compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement. Oversees preparation for and responds to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual certification survey and regulatory audits. Reviews audit reports for citations and develops and implements a Plan of Correction (POC) to correct any citations. Reviews reports from DOJ/Settlement Agreement Monitoring Team (SAMT) for progress toward compliance with nursing indicators. Reviews special investigations involving staff where Abuse, Neglect and/or Exploitation (ANE) is asserted. Uses information contained to address both personnel and system issues and guides future corrective action plans (CAPs) and quality improvement plans (QIPs).

Oversees writing of, reviews, revises and implements nursing care policies and procedures such as IV therapy, medication administration, the self-administration of medication program. Performs timely reviews and updates to nursing care policies, procedures and guidelines, requesting input from ancillary departments as needed. Interprets regulations and communicate them effectively in writing and orally. Explains nursing policies and procedures such as infection control practices, licensure rules and regulations, and the peer review process to all nursing staff. Develops and implements operational guidelines to promote compliance with health-related laws, rules, and regulations such as guidelines to ensure information security protocols are followed to maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of consumer records.

Oversees activities that evaluate the quality of nursing services provided in cooperation with the quality assurance department staff. Ensures that resident’s rights are protected by addressing issues found in resident care reports, client abuse and neglect reports, 24-hour reports, and other SSLC reporting mechanisms. Assures systematic capture, review and analysis, communication, and follow-up in relation to significant events on the program (e.g., Medication Errors, Adverse Drug Reactions, Unauthorized Departures, Deaths, Unusual Occurrences, etc.). Oversees and conducts clinical reviews to ensure adequate clinical care is provided to residents when assigned. Alerts leadership to safety/risk management issues and actively facilitates problem-solving strategies. Maintains a physical presence on the living units and infirmary, assessing the quality of nursing services being provided, and modeling appropriate interaction with staff and SSLC residents. Provides feedback to nurse managers for their action.

Oversees the nursing care of the residents of the SSLC in cooperation with the Medical Director, Unit Directors, departmental directors and identified staff so that optimal health care is delivered to individuals served. Provides consultation to nursing staff on complex cases. Delegates nursing duties and sufficient authority for their accomplishment but maintains overall responsibility for the nursing care of the individuals at the SSLC. As needed (such as due to staffing issues, complex cases, or for the purpose of on-the-job training), provides direct care nursing services, such as administering medications, immunizations, and treatments and observes patients for unusual symptoms and reactions. Directs and oversees process for physical, developmental, and psychosocial assessments to determine need for specialized health services. Follows standards and guidelines required by federal or state law or regulation or by facility policy in providing oversight of the nursing services and activities for which the CNE is administratively responsible.

Reviews medical records and patient assessments to determine compliance with policies and procedures, correctness of assessment, standards of care, and quality of service following a serious incident or in conjunction with routine reviews such as the QA/QI Council, IMRT and Clinical Death Review team. Evaluates the assessment, care and integrated treatment plans developed by the RN Case Managers to ensure they accurately and definitively direct the implementation of all necessary care based up on the trend analysis of health care needs and/or issues to the appropriate person.

Coordinates outreach efforts to stakeholders to promote awareness of health care issues, and the nursing programs and services at the SSLC. Promotes positive working relationships with outside agencies (e.g. Provider Investigations (PI), Office of Inspector General (OIG)), other SSLC departments, programs and divisions including ancillary/support services, (e.g. Pharmacy, Medical Staff, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Dietary, etc.). Develops and maintains relationships with local nursing schools to promote meaningful clinical experiences for nursing students. Ensures contracts with nursing schools are current. Provides or oversees SSLC attendance at local nursing schools career days to educate nursing students regarding opportunities for employment and nursing services at the SSLC.

Directs and participates in the development of competency-based training and continuing education activities and meetings to ensure others maintain competence in nursing best practice. Complies with state mandated continuing education to maintain licensure as a registered nurse. Evaluates the available continuing educations programs available, such as Lippincott, and makes recommendations for improvements. Develops and oversees in-service training to address areas identified for corrective action and quality improvement.

Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on nursing protocols, and activities. Participates on and/or chairs various committees. Serves as a member of the Executive Team, the QA/QI Council, the Incident Management Review Team (IMRT) and Clinical Death Review team. Interfaces with the state office leadership via regular conference calls and face to face meetings. Participates on other work groups as needed to promote collaboration and operational effectiveness. Keeps abreast of current nursing philosophy, techniques, and regulations.

Ensures effective nursing participation in interdisciplinary teams. Provides leadership and direction to ensure nursing compliance with person-centered planning in order to create an environment that empowers individuals to have as much participation as possible in all decision-making activities that affect his/her life and ensures that the individual directs the planning process of a plan of supports and services that meet his/her personal outcomes.

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 state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, including the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, and the role of nursing peer review in the provision of both professional nursing and vocational nursing.

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

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

Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of nursing treatment tools and equipment.

Skill in analyzing problems, formulating and implementing plans of corrections, and successfully leading change as evidenced by positive outcomes.

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

Skill in time management and prioritization.

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 residents

Strong interpersonal skills which promote teamwork

Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members.

Ability to provide patient care and to prepare and maintain records.

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

Must maintain current CPR certification. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

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

Ability to analyze, assimilate, and integrate information in order to make nursing judgments about conditions and the acuity of conditions, to develop plans of care, and to evaluate outcomes of care.

Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities.

Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others.

Ability to manage time effectively.

Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Master’s degree; and

Three (3) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility; and

Two (2) years of Nursing supervisory/administrative experience.

OR

Bachelor’s degree; and

Five (5) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility; and

Four (4) years of Nursing supervisory/administrative experience.

OR

Associate’s degree; and

Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility; and

Six (6) years of Nursing supervisory/administrative experience

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 between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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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