DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse 4

DSHS WSH Lead Licensed Practical Nurse

Western State Hospital (WSH) is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 (LPN4) to play a key leadership role in providing compassionate, high-quality mental health care. In this role, you will lead and support LPNs and Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) while ensuring safe and effective patient care. You'll oversee medication administration, provide direct nursing care, assist in crisis situations, and educate both staff and patients in a collaborative healthcare environment.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals with serious psychiatric conditions on their path to recovery. If you're a dedicated nursing professional with leadership skills and a passion for mental health care, we encourage you to apply and be part of our mission at WSH.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. 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 shift is from Sunday to Thursday, 2:30PM - 11PM.

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:

• Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you'll work as a lead worker assisting with providing nursing care and educating nursing staff
• Ensure that Licensed Practical Nurses are educated and trained in Pyxis and WellSky as super-users
• Work with institutional counselors in the area of nursing care delivery and the use of patient care equipment
• Administer medication and transcribe orders from the MD
• Educate the patient on adaptive living skills

What we're looking for:

• Possession of a valid Washington State license to practice as an LPN

AND

• Two years of experience as a LPN

To Apply

Submit an application

To learn about Western State Hospital and how our staff makes a difference in our mission of transforming lives click HERE

Questions? Please contact or call the main Talent Acquisition line at and reference

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

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 Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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