DSHS CSTC Registered Nurse 2

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site premium pay

Orca Card transportation

Shift differential

Job summary

State of Washington's Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA, is seeking a Registered Nurse 2 to provide professional care for children and adolescents with mental health needs. You may also serve as shift lead, supporting staff and maintaining a therapeutic environment.

The CSTC is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for youth, offering expressive arts, adventure therapy, and family involvement.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and at least one year of professional nursing experience OR an equivalent combination totaling five or more years.
• Ability to provide direct patient care, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and follow physician treatment orders.
• Experience in pediatric psychiatry or mental health settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care by monitoring vital signs, administering medications and vaccinations, and implementing physician treatment orders
• Conduct nursing assessments and reassessments, develop treatment and pain management plans, and monitor patient progress
• Deliver age-appropriate biopsychosocial care and lead or co-lead therapeutic, educational, and recreational group activities
• Ensure patient safety by monitoring behavior, intervening to prevent escalation or harm, and adhering to CSTC policies
• Educate and advocate for patients and families regarding medications, treatment plans, and patient rights
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and participate in team meetings, workgroups, and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide leadership and direction to PCCCs, ancillary staff, new employees, and trainees while modeling professionalism
• Serve as shift lead by assigning duties, managing staffing levels, and ensuring smooth communication between shifts

Skills

Nursing care

Critical thinking

Psychiatric care

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

RN license

Job description

DSHS CSTC – Registered Nurse 2

Join our team as a Registered Nurse 2 at the Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you will provide professional nursing care to children and adolescents with mental health needs, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress in treatment. You may also serve as a designated shift charge in the absence of the Psychiatric Child Care Counselor 2, playing a key role in supporting staff and maintaining a therapeutic environment. Your expertise and compassionate care help make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young patients we serve.

About the CSTC:

The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington’s only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 5–17 with complex emotional, behavioral, and safety needs. Located in Lakewood, CSTC provides evidence-based, culturally competent care in a structured, therapeutic environment. Youth benefit from a dynamic treatment setting that includes activity-based interventions such as Expressive Arts, Adventure Therapy, Sports/Fitness, and Music, along with recreation therapy, family involvement, and year-round education. Our team is passionate about empowering young people and their families to achieve long-term success.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide direct patient care by monitoring vital signs, administering medications and vaccinations, and implementing physician treatment orders
• Conduct nursing assessments and reassessments, develop treatment and pain management plans, and monitor patient progress
• Deliver age-appropriate biopsychosocial care and lead or co-lead therapeutic, educational, and recreational group activities
• Ensure patient safety by monitoring behavior, intervening to prevent escalation or harm, and adhering to CSTC policies
• Educate and advocate for patients and families regarding medications, treatment plans, and patient rights
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and participate in team meetings, workgroups, and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide leadership and direction to PCCCs, ancillary staff, new employees, and trainees while modeling professionalism
• Serve as shift lead by assigning duties, managing staffing levels, and ensuring smooth communication between shifts

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Apply nursing principles, critical thinking, and professional judgment to provide safe, effective patient care
• Monitor patients’ physical and emotional condition to ensure safety within the treatment milieu
• Possess knowledge of nursing principles, psychiatric care, mental health concepts, growth and development, and specialty treatment techniques
• Communicate clearly and effectively, following and giving verbal and written directions, including over the phone
• Work collaboratively with patients, families, healthcare team members, and community contacts
• Coordinate care, assume responsibility for professional development, and support teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment
• Demonstrate physical fitness, strength, and dexterity to participate in patient supervision, leisure activities, and hands‑on interventions
• Understand dynamics of interpersonal relationships and utilize therapeutic communication strategies

Who should apply?

We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and at least one year of professional nursing experience OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience, totaling five or more years

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 are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #07920.

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.

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 [phone].

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 (Neo...) 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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