DSHS ESH Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officer – Eastern State Hospital

We are in search of a self‑motivated, forward‑thinking Registered Nurse to fill a vital leadership role in which their passion for partnering with people who need access to care, and support is displayed every day. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) leads the delivery of high quality, safe and appropriate nursing care at Eastern State Hospital (ESH) which provides services that empower individuals, instill hope and supports self‑discovery and independence.

Here, high‑quality, patient‑focused care is our mission.

ESH is a 375‑bed inpatient psychiatric hospital accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital opened in 1891 in picturesque Medical Lake, Washington and provides long‑term psychiatric care to adult civil, forensic, geriatric and habilitative mental health patients.

As the CNO, you will be responsible for the overall strategic management and direction of the nursing department at ESH reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. In this role, you will work to create an environment that supports innovative patient care delivery through collaboration and communication with other leadership team members.

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.

ESH is located 15 miles west of downtown Spokane, the state’s second largest city. It and a host of other suburban communities offer ideal places to live, play, and work. Outdoor activities are especially plentiful given the area’s natural beauty and its four seasons.

Clinical & Administrative Nursing Leader Provide executive‑level leadership and accountability for the administration, coordination, and delivery of hospital‑wide nursing services. Establish, implement, and enforce nursing policies and standards that comply with The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health requirements, and community psychiatric nursing standards.

Strategic Partner Collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director, and executive leadership team to align nursing operations with organizational priorities. Serve as a trusted nursing consultant on both clinical and administrative matters, contributing to strategic planning, operational decision‑making, and system‑wide improvement initiatives.

Operational Steward Direct the development and implementation of patient care standards and ensure the effective coordination of nursing services across the hospital. Allocate nursing staff resources efficiently to support interdisciplinary therapeutic programs and ensure timely, safe patient discharges.

Talent Developer & Workforce Leader Lead and develop nursing staff through targeted training, coaching, and performance improvement initiatives. Address competency gaps, correct deficiencies, and foster professional growth while building high‑performing, collaborative nursing teams.

Change Agent & Culture Builder Create and sustain an environment that supports organizational change, continuous improvement, and effective working relationships. Encourage teamwork, accountability, and collaboration across disciplines to strengthen care delivery and operational outcomes.

Quality & Performance Advocate Utilize data, quality metrics, and operational analysis to identify areas for improvement, recommend evidence‑based solutions, and implement strategies that enhance patient care, regulatory compliance, and organizational efficiency.

• Professionals with a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington and five years of leadership and management experience in a nursing administrative role.
• A master’s degree in nursing and previous psychiatric nursing experience is preferred.
• Five years of experience in an inpatient psychiatric facility including supervisory responsibility and experience with labor unions may substitute for the master’s degree in nursing.

• Your current chronological resume.
• A cover…