Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07340

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

Summary

DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 3

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!

Some of what you'll do:

• 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.

Who should apply?

• 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.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

Additional skills, knowledge and abilities we are looking for:

• 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.

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

Interested?

Along with your application, please attach a current resume and three professional references.

Questions? Contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference 07340.

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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