DSHS CSTC Registered Nurse 2

Registered Nurse 2 At Child Study And Treatment Center

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. Part-time RN2 position: The work schedule is 6:30pm to 7:00am on Friday and Saturday with Sunday through Thursday off.

About the CSTC: The Child Study and Treatment Center (CSTC) is Washington's only state-operated psychiatric hospital for children and youth ages 517 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 gain 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 05086.