RN/LPN Full-Time or Part-Time, 2nd or 3rd Shift

DSHS WSH Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
As a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital, you will work in a Civil unit supporting adults with serious mental health needs. This role will place you at the center of daily care, where your nursing skills, communication and steady presence will help keep patients safe and supported.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital, you will work in a Civil unit supporting adults with serious mental health needs. This role will place you at the center of daily care, where your nursing skills, communication and steady presence will help keep patients safe and supported.

You will provide hands‑on nursing care while also serving as a lead worker for Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians. You will help guide daily work, answer questions and support staff as they carry out patient care tasks. Your role will help maintain structure, safety and consistency throughout each shift.

Each day, you will respond to a mix of routine care and urgent situations. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you will use clear judgment, teamwork and calm decision‑making to support patient well‑being and keep the unit running smoothly.

Anticipated Shift
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. Provide direct nursing care to patients based on treatment plans and daily needs.

Assign non‑clinical tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians to support unit operations.

Observe patient condition changes and communicate concerns to the Registered Nurse.

Intervene safely with patients exhibiting high‑risk or aggressive behaviors.

Apply restraints when required to protect patient and staff safety, following Registered Nurse guidance.

Educate Licensed Practical Nurses as a super‑user in medication systems and procedures.

Train Mental Health Technicians in basic nursing care delivery and patient care equipment use.

Check medication rooms, supplies and equipment to ensure readiness and safe storage.

A valid license to practice as an LPN in Washington State.

Two years of experience as an LPN.

Mental health experience: Applies nursing knowledge to support adults with serious mental health needs, recognize changes in behavior and respond safely during high‑risk or crisis situations.

Builds clear, respectful exchanges with patients, nursing staff and unit partners to share observations, provide direction and explain care.

Supports accurate documentation, medication administration and daily work within electronic health record and medication systems.

Equipment confidence: Ensures safe operation, routine checks and appropriate instruction related to patient care equipment, emergency tools and treatment room supplies.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Relationship and Reporting Structure Disclosure
DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Holidays
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Do you have a valid license to practice as an LPN in Washington State?