DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 3

Posting number: 2026-08016

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

DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 3 - Supervisor 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 multiple Registered Nurse 3sto act as a First line supervisor of nursing employees on both Gage and Civil Ward, providing nursing care to patients with psychiatric disabilities; supervise clinical care of patients and supervise performance of nursing employees on that shift to ensure compliance with WSH Nursing Standards of care, WSH policies and procedures, and DSHS Administrative policies. These positions will also report to the RN4/Nurse Manager of the assigned area.

There is a Day, Evening, and Night shift available for these positions.

• Supervises nursing staff through knowledge, skills, and abilities to facilitate change in diverse populations. committees, and providing input on medical nursing care.
• Scheduling meetings with nursing staff; providing consistent messages about the vision, mission and standards of care within the nursing discipline and the hospital.
• Attends treatment planning and Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Treatment (MET) articulating the nursing needs for the patient.
• Audits aspects of care delivery to ensure Nursing Standards and CMS conditions of participation are met.
• Pursue and contain escape risks. Participates in containment of aggressive patients during Code Gray response. Applies restraints to patients determined to be a danger to self or others.
• Actively participates in nursing, hospital or unit wide committees or work groups.
• Keeps staff informed of hospital policy changes and nursing care standards updates.
• Takes appropriate level of action with employees to promote growth, development and accountability according to current CBAs, hospital policies, Nursing Standards of Care and DSHS administrative guidelines.

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred, with supervisory or lead experience over nursing personnel.
• Psychiatric nursing experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to lead employees in a positive direction.
• Preferred American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-BC).
• Operation of office equipment to include telephone, copy and fax machine, computer and various computer programs.
• Must be able to communicate and comprehend oral and written forms of communication with management, peers, clients, and the public.

• 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; ANDtwo years of professional nursing experience.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

• 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?#08016

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.

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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