DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse - Psychiatric Security Nurse

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay for on-site shifts

Shift differential for evenings/nights

On-site role at Western State Hospital

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – Western State Hospital is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse with experience in behavioral health for the Psychiatric Security Nurse role. You will provide direct nursing care and safety oversight in our forensics unit, working under a Registered Nurse.

Shifts include day, swing, and night with on-site work for at least three days a week potentially earning a 5% premium.

Qualifications

• Current Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Experience in behavioral health or psychiatric care preferred.
• Completion of safety training within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct skilled nursing care to adults with behavioral health issues.
• Participate in treatment planning, administer medications, and document interventions.
• Advocate for patient health maintenance and monitor conditions affecting care.

Skills

LPN license

Forensic psychiatric care

Strong communication

Education

Washington State LPN license

Job description

DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse - Psychiatric Security Nurse

We are expanding our team of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) with experience in caring for individuals with behavioral health conditions. As a Psychiatric Security Nurse at Western State Hospital, you will provide LPN care and safety oversight within our forensics unit. Our patients, who have serious or long-term behavioral health conditions, rely on us for their healing and growth. Your excellent communication skills will enable you to develop long-term therapeutic relationships with patients. In challenging situations, you will safely and therapeutically intervene with the support of your dedicated team.

We offer a variety of scheduling opportunities, including day, swing, and night shifts, available on a full-time and on-call basis. Applicants will be prompted to select their preferred schedules before submitting their application. Additionally, roles performed on site at this location for at least three days a week may qualify for an additional 5% premium pay on top of the advertised salary. Evening and night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

What you will do in this role:

• Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you'll provide direct skilled nursing care to adults experiencing behavioral health issues
• Participate in the treatment planning, administer medication, as well as implement and chart treatment interventions
• Be a patient advocate for health maintenance and clinical care by monitoring conditions that may be detrimental to the care and treatment of your patients

Who should apply?

• Applicants must possess a current Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Additionally, completion of safety training within 30 days of hire is a condition of employment.

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 (Noptism) 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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