Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06742

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Nursing

DSHS WSH – Licensed Practical Nurse 2
Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse 2 to join our team. In this role, you will perform clinical nursing duties under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed physician, assisting consulting physicians and supporting patient care throughout the hospital. You will work closely with the Lead LPN4 to provide high-quality nursing care within the scope of practice of a Licensed Practical Nurse, including performing routine EKGs when clinics are not in progress. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of patients and supporting the smooth operation of the hospital’s medical services.

About Western State Hospital
Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible. Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Some of what you'll do:

Assist Lead LPN4 and consulting physicians with medical assessments, procedures, and nursing care under supervision, including supporting minor surgical procedures and gynecological exams.
Work directly with consulting physicians to support patient examinations, diagnostics, and care.
Schedule, document, and coordinate patient clinic appointments and outcomes, notifying wards and escort staff of changes.
Perform routine EKGs and support patient care throughout Western State Hospital.
Utilize clinic systems daily, including CRTS, TRx, and PASS, to document and track patient care activities.
Maintain and update knowledge of medical equipment and technologies used in the clinic, including telemedicine tools.
Assist with medical clinic inventory, including reviewing supplies, recommending orders, and managing equipment needs.
Repair and stock optical and reading glasses for patients, supporting a range of eye care services.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of practice.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Experience assisting physicians in a medical clinic, preferably with psychiatric nursing experience.
Experience assisting with minor surgeries and gynecological exams.
Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of medical equipment and technologies, including advanced tools such as OCT, autorefractors, and telemedicine equipment.
Ability to perform and assist with routine EKGs and operate EKG machines.
Experience supporting a range of eye care services, from ophthalmology to optician-level support.
Knowledge of medical terminology and jargon for accurate documentation and transcription.
Skill in operating medical tables, exam chairs, and other clinic equipment safely.
Ability to travel throughout the Western State Hospital campus to provide patient care.
Proficiency with CRTS, TRx, PASS, Cache Web, and Microsoft Office.
Strong oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with medical professionals, peers, clients, and the public.

Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:

A valid license to practice as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Washington.
AND
At least one year of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Additional information:

Work schedule:
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 are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
This position is excluded from ward overtime opportunities.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06742.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

About Clark County WA

With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.

Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.

Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.

The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Headquarters

Vancouver, WA

Year Founded

1844

Website

wa.gov

Social Media

DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse 2

Job Description

Supplemental information

About Clark County WA