DSHS ESH Chief Nursing Officer

Full Job Description

Chief Nursing Officer – Eastern State Hospital

We are in search of a self-motivated, forward-thinking Registered Nurse to fill a vital leadership role in which their passion for partnering with people who need access to care, and support is displayed every day. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) leads the delivery of high quality, safe and appropriate nursing care at Eastern State Hospital (ESH)which provides services that empower individuals, instill hope and supports self-discovery and independence. Here, high-quality, patient-focused care is our mission.

ESH is a 375-bed inpatient psychiatric hospital accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The hospital opened in 1891 in picturesque Medical Lake, Washington and provides long-term psychiatric care to adult civil, forensic, geriatric and habilitative mental health patients.

As the CNO, you will be responsible for the overall strategic management and direction of the nursing department at ESH reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

In this role, you will work to create an environment that supports innovative patient care delivery through collaboration and communication with other leadership team members.

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.

ESH is located 15 miles west of downtown Spokane the state’s second largest city. It and a host of other suburban communities offer ideal places to live, play, and work. Outdoor activities are especially plentiful given the area's natural beauty and its four seasons.

Primary Responsibilities:

Clinical & Administrative Nursing Leader Provide executive-level leadership and accountability for the administration, coordination, and delivery of hospital-wide nursing services.

Establish, implement, and enforce nursing policies and standards that comply with The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health requirements, and community psychiatric nursing standards.

Strategic Partner Collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director, and executive leadership team to align nursing operations with organizational priorities.

Serve as a trusted nursing consultant on both clinical and administrative matters, contributing to strategic planning, operational decision-making, and system-wide improvement initiatives.

Operational Steward Direct the development and implementation of patient care standards and ensure the effective coordination of nursing services across the hospital.

Allocate nursing staff resources efficiently to support interdisciplinary therapeutic programs and ensure timely, safe patient discharges.

Talent Developer & Workforce Leader
Lead and develop nursing staff through targeted training, coaching, and performance improvement initiatives. Address competency gaps, correct deficiencies, and foster professional growth while building high-performing, collaborative nursing teams.

Change Agent & Culture Builder
Create and sustain an environment that supports organizational change, continuous improvement, and effective working relationships. Encourage teamwork, accountability, and collaboration across disciplines to strengthen care delivery and operational outcomes.

Quality & Performance Advocate
Utilize data, quality metrics, and operational analysis to identify areas for improvement, recommend evidence-based solutions, and implement strategies that enhance patient care, regulatory compliance, and organizational efficiency.

Who should apply:

• Professionals with a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington and five years of leadership and management experience in a nursing administrative role
• A master’s degree in nursing and previous psychiatric nursing experience is preferred
• Five years of experience in an inpatient psychiatric facility including supervisory responsibility and experience with labor unions may substitute for the master’s degree in nursing

Applications will consist of the following:

• Your current chronological resume
• A cover letter describing your interest and experience related to this job

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.

Questions? Contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 08908.

Additional Information

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



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