Job Description

Posting number: 2026-03577

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PSYCHIATRIC SECURITY NURSE

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Nursing, Human Services, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Medical

DSHS ESH Psychiatric Security Nurse (PSN)

Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is looking for Psychiatric Security Nurse to join our team.

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.

Currently, we have multiple full time opportunities including day, swing, and night shift.

Work hours at our location are 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM, and 10:30 PM - 7:00 AM.

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.

The full salary range for this position is: step A $5,137.00 - step M $6,906.00 per month. However, the typical starting salary for this position is at salary step L: $6,735.00 per month.

What you will do in this job:

• Provide routine, direct patient care on a behavioral health unit under the direction of a Registered Nurse to people who have behavioral health conditions.
• 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 with a valid license to practice as Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Washington.

Want to know more about Eastern State Hospital? Click on the videos below to meet staff, take a tour, and explore your career. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov

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Questions? Email sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov and reference 2026-03577.

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.

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