Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07099

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Nursing

Summary

DSHS ESH - Licensed Practical Nurse 4 (LPN Lead)

Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is looking for experienced Licensed Practical Nurses to join our team as LPN Leads.

In this role, you will help deliver high-quality nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse while working directly with patients on their path to recovery. You'll collaborate with a dedicated team of medical professionals committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As an LPN Lead, you will also provide guidance and direction to nursing staff, supporting daily operations and fostering a positive and effective care environment.

Please note:

The shifts for these positions include evening and night shifts. Please indicate which shift(s) you're interested in.

About Eastern State Hospital

Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

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Some of what you will do

• Provide routine, direct patient care on a behavioral health unit under the direction of a Registered Nurse to people who have behavioral health conditions
• Assign daily tasks to the nursing staff on the ward and provide guidance to staff while performing direct nursing care according to a treatment plan
• Provide staff feedback to RN3s regarding development, educational needs, and performance on the job
• Report and document significant changes in patient conditions to RN3/designee and appropriate medical staff
• Administer medications and treatments
• Educate patients in adaptive living skills during activities on the ward and in the treatment mall during one-to-one and/or group interactions
• Transfer, escort, and transport patients
• Exchange pertinent clinical information during the shift and at the change of shifts
• Complete paperwork and documents for medication orders; inventory and maintain medical supplies and equipment

Who should apply?

• Professionals who possess a valid license to practice within the state of Washington
• AND
• Have at least one year of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and calmly, even in challenging situations
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Genuine desire to coach and mentor others
• Exceptional clinical knowledge and assessment skills

Additional information:

• 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 $2.50/hour shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate
• Generally, this position starts at Step L: $7,399 per month

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 07099.

To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) 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 financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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