DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse Lead

DSHS WSH Lead Licensed Practical Nurse - Temporary

As a temporary Licensed Practical Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital, you will work in a Civil unit supporting adults with serious mental health needs. This role will place you at the center of daily care, where your nursing skills, communication and steady presence will help keep patients safe and supported.

The Licensed Practical Nurse 4 (LPN4) works as a medication nurse on the ward and assists the Registered Nurse 4 Nurse Manager by performing Single Bed Certification (SBC) in a timely manner when needed. As nursing services LPN4 they generate reports, audits, charts, scans med room check list sheets for retention, and complete the BHHA Bed Management audit. Performs data entry in SBC’s, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word and utilizes a fax machine for SBCs.

This position supports the Hospital Incident Commander in the event of an emergency and ensures protocols are initiated as required.

Each day, you will respond to a mix of routine care and urgent situations. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you will use clear judgment, teamwork and calm decision‑making to support patient well‑being and keep the unit running smoothly.

• Opportunities performed on‑site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs

• Provide direct nursing care to patients based on treatment plans and daily needs.
• Assign non‑clinical tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians to support unit operations.
• Administer medications and accurately transcribe provider orders.
• Observe patient condition changes and communicate concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• Intervene safely with patients exhibiting high‑risk or aggressive behaviors.
• Use de‑escalation techniques and select the least restrictive interventions available.
• Participate in Code Gray responses and patient containment when directed.
• Apply restraints when required to protect patient and staff safety, following Registered Nurse guidance.
• Educate Licensed Practical Nurses as a super‑user in medication systems and procedures.
• Train Mental Health Technicians in basic nursing care delivery and patient care equipment use.
• Check medication rooms, supplies and equipment to ensure readiness and safe storage.
• Teach patients adaptive living skills during daily activities and group or one‑on‑one interactions.
• Transport patients to appointments, programs or other locations as assigned.

A valid license to practice as an LPN in Washington State.
AND
Two years of experience as an LPN.

• Mental health experience:
  Applies nursing knowledge to support adults with serious mental health needs, recognize changes in behavior and respond safely during high‑risk or crisis situations.
• Communication skills:
  Builds clear, respectful exchanges with patients, nursing staff and unit partners to share observations, provide direction and explain care.
• Technology system abilities:
  Supports accurate documentation, medication administration and daily work within electronic health record and medication systems.
• Equipment confidence:
  Ensures safe operation, routine checks and appropriate instruction related to patient care equipment, emergency tools and treatment room supplies.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building…