Summary
This job involves working as a licensed practical nurse at a state psychiatric hospital, providing hands-on care to adults with mental health and physical needs, including giving medications and ensuring safety on the unit.
You'll support patients in their recovery journey under the guidance of a registered nurse, mainly on evening or night shifts.
It's a great fit for compassionate nurses who enjoy helping people with behavioral challenges in a secure, supportive environment.
Full Job Description
DSHS ESH - Licensed Practical Nurse 2
Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA is seeking dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses to join our team and support the vital work of providing compassionate care to individuals with both psychiatric and physical health needs.
In this role, you will work under the direction of a Registered Nurse to deliver direct patient care and maintain safety on a psychiatric unit, all within the framework of the hospital’s Recovery Model. Your work will directly support Eastern State Hospital’s mission, vision, and values—helping individuals on their path to recovery by building on their strengths.
We currently have evening and nights shifts available, interested applicants will be able to indicate their preferences when submitting their application.
About Eastern State Hospital
Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Some of what you will do:
Provide patient care and help ensure the safety of individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges
Communicate critical clinical information during shift transitions
Administer prescribed medications and treatments
Process medication orders and maintain accurate electronic records in Pyxis
Follow and implement hospital security policies and procedures
Educate patients about their care plans and treatment
Assist with patient movement and transfers, de-escalate behavioral situations, and escort or transport patients as needed
Who should apply:
- Professionals with a valid license to practice as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Washington.
Additional information:
Evening and night shift LPNs receive a $2.50 per hour shift differential on top of their base pay, starting at Step L
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
Interested?Along with your application, please include:
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07645.To learn more about DSHS, please visit www.dshs.wa.gov
Join us today—apply your skills to partner with individuals, providing the support, care, and resources they need to shape their own lives!
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.
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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