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Posted: March 9, 2026 (2 days ago)

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DSHS WSH Center Nurse Manager - Registered Nurse 4

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$8,681 - $14,235

per month

Closes

March 17, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a nurse manager at a state psychiatric hospital in Washington, where you'll oversee nursing teams on multiple wards, ensure high-quality patient care around the clock, and lead staff in following hospital rules and regulations.

It's ideal for experienced registered nurses who enjoy supervising others, solving problems in a fast-paced mental health setting, and communicating effectively with doctors and administrators.

A good fit would be someone with strong leadership skills and a background in psychiatric care who wants to make a difference in patient treatment.

Key Requirements

  • Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing
  • Four years of professional nursing experience, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity over other nurses
  • Valid Washington State license to practice as a registered professional nurse
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing (may substitute for two years of non-supervisory experience)
  • One year of full-time nursing teaching experience (may substitute for one year of supervisory experience)
  • Knowledge of CMS, WAC, and RCW regulations for inpatient psychiatric hospitals
  • Strong leadership, communication, and risk management skills

Full Job Description

DSHS WSH Center Nurse Manager - Registered Nurse 4

Western State Hospital at the Civil Center of Excellence in Lakewood, WA, is currently seeking a Registered Nurse 4.

This position is accountable for the 24-hour management, supervision and leadership for up to two wards and at least 100 employees.

Plans and directs all nursing functions for the assigned areas in accordance with the nursing standards, and hospital policies to assure consistent patient care delivery.

This position assists to ensure compliance with professional nursing standards, Medicare, state and federal laws and regulations.

Perform key leadership functions for nursing personnel on the shifts by articulating hospital and nursing visions and provides accurate information to nursing employees on changes in the standards.

Effective communications with all levels of the hospital organization, particularly with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Medical Officer, and the Chief Nursing Officer, nursing supervisors and nursing employees.

The position reports to the Chief Nursing Officer; assists in management and resolution of conflict, building trust and collaborative relationships and share visions, facilitates shared decision making and creates a culture of respect for all.


Additional Information:

  • Opportunities performed onsite 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


Some of what you’ll do:

  • Manages, leads, directs all aspects of 24-hour, 7 day a week nursing care for assigned wards
  • Demonstrates effective communication
  • Evaluates patient care delivery system
  • Formulates complex reports
  • Leads nursing employees
  • Plans, organizes and directs deployment of nursing employees
  • Directs, motivates, recruits and interviews, recommends for hire and provides corrective action/progressive discipline with recommendations for disciplinary actions
  • Investigates patient and policy violations as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned

Who should apply

Professionals with the following:

  • Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing AND four years of professional nursing experience including two years in a lead capacity over other nursing personnel.
  • A valid Washington State license to practice as a registered, professional nurse.
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher degree involving major study in nursing may be substituted for two years of non-supervisory experience.
  • One year of full-time experience teaching nursing may be substituted for one year of supervisory experience.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Two years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
  • Five years of experience working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
  • Knowledge of CMS, WAC and RCW regulations related to inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
  • Experienced in conducting medical chart reviews
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Proficient in reading, writing, and communication skills
  • Knowledge of principles of risk management or experience with team-oriented decision-making regarding Clinical Risk Management

Questions? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 01818.

To learn more about DSHS: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ 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.


E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/10/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5262580