DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN

DSHS WSH Lead Licensed Practical Nurse

As a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital, you will work in a Civil unit supporting adults with serious mental health needs. This role will place you at the center of daily care, where your nursing skills, communication and steady presence will help keep patients safe and supported.

You will provide hands‑on nursing care while also serving as a lead worker for Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians. You will help guide daily work, answer questions and support staff as they carry out patient care tasks. Your role will help maintain structure, safety and consistency throughout each shift.

Each day, you will respond to a mix of routine care and urgent situations. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you will use clear judgment, teamwork and calm decision‑making to support patient well‑being and keep the unit running smoothly.

Shift details: Swing shift – 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday, with Sunday and Monday off.
Additional benefits: On‑site work at least three days per week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay. Evening and night shifts include a shift differential. Pierce County employees may receive an Orca Card for transportation.

• Provide direct nursing care to patients based on treatment plans and daily needs.
• Assign non‑clinical tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians to support unit operations.
• Administer medications and accurately transcribe provider orders.
• Observe patient condition changes and communicate concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• Intervene safely with patients exhibiting high‑risk or aggressive behaviors.
• Use de‑escalation techniques and select the least restrictive interventions available.
• Participate in Code Gray responses and patient containment when directed.
• Apply restraints when required to protect patient and staff safety, following Registered Nurse guidance.
• Educate Licensed Practical Nurses as a super‑user in medication systems and procedures.
• Train Mental Health Technicians in basic nursing care delivery and patient care equipment use.
• Check medication rooms, supplies and equipment to ensure readiness and safe storage.
• Teach patients adaptive living skills during daily activities and group or one‑on‑one interactions.
• Transport patients to appointments, programs or other locations as assigned.

• A valid license to practice as an LPN in Washington State.
• Two years of experience as an LPN.

• Mental health experience:
  Applies nursing knowledge to support adults with serious mental health needs, recognize changes in behavior and respond safely during high‑risk or crisis situations.
• Communication skills:
  Builds clear, respectful exchanges with patients, nursing staff and unit partners to share observations, provide direction and explain care.
• Technology system abilities:
  Supports accurate documentation, medication administration and daily work within electronic health record and medication systems.
• Equipment confidence:
  Ensures safe operation, routine checks and appropriate instruction related to patient care equipment, emergency tools and treatment room supplies.

Apply now!

Please contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle ngle.gov and reference 00156. 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.

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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