DSHS WSH Registered Nurse

Posting number:

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: REGISTERED NURSE 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Nursing, Medical/Dental, Social Sciences, Health Care Support

Western State Hospital (WSH) is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Washington, dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals with complex mental health needs. Located in Lakewood, WA, WSH offers a collaborative and supportive environment where healthcare professionals make a meaningful impact every day.

We are seeking a Registered Nurse 3 to serve as the first-line supervisor for nursing staff at the Center for Forensic Services (CFS). In this role, you will oversee clinical care for patients with psychiatric disabilities, ensure nursing practices follow WSH Nursing Standards and DSHS requirements, and provide direct guidance and performance oversight for nursing employees on your shift. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care in a dynamic setting, we encourage you to apply today!

• Supervise ward operations
  - Oversee nursing staff and daily care delivery on the ward to ensure hospital policies are followed.
• Lead nursing team communication
  - Schedule staff meetings and reinforce the nursing vision, mission, standards of care, and recovery-focused practices.
• Audit care delivery
  - Review aspects of care to confirm compliance with Nursing Standards and CMS conditions of participation.
• Participate in treatment planning
  - Attend treatment planning and Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Treatment (MET) meetings to articulate nursing needs for each patient.
• Provide clinical interventions
  - Administer medications and treatments when needed and use de-escalation skills to promote less restrictive interventions.
• Respond to high-risk behaviors
  - Safely intervene with patients exhibiting high-risk behaviors, including escape risks, Code Gray responses, and restraint application.
• Use data to guide practice
  - Utilize data to help staff understand patient care dynamics and support evidence-based solutions.
• Support staff development
  - Take appropriate action to promote staff growth, accountability, and adherence to CBAs, hospital policies, Nursing Standards, and DSHS guidelines.

• Professionals with possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington and graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing AND two years of professional nursing experience.

• Equivalent education/experience.

• Psychiatric nursing experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to lead employees in a positive and supportive direction.
• Preferred ANCC certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-BC).
• Ability to operate common office equipment and computer programs.
• Ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written information with staff, clients, and the public.
• Preference for candidates with one year of nursing staff supervision experience and a valid Washington RN license in good standing.
• Ability to meet all background checks, health screenings, CPR certification, annual competencies, and required federal and state training.
• Ability to work alternate schedules, including overtime, weekends, and holidays when needed.

• 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.
• Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation use.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be…