DSHS ESH Licensed Practical Nurse 2 - LPN

Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA is seeking Licensed Practical Nurses to provide care for patients with both mental health and physical health needs. This role supports patients through daily, skilled assistance under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, contributing to a safe psychiatric unit and following the hospital's Recovery Model, which emphasizes patient strengths and progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and 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.

Requirements

• Valid license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Washington.

Pay

• Base pay starting at Step L.
• Evening and night shift LPNs receive a $2.50 per hour shift differential.
• Opportunities performed on-site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay.

Benefits

The following benefits are available for full-time employees expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or work schedule.

• Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance for employees and their families.
  • Multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums.
  • Medical flexible spending account for tax-deferred health care expenses.
  • Basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to purchase additional coverage.
  • Dependent care assistance for pre-tax savings on child or elder care expenses.
  • Optional auto, boat, home, and renter insurance through payroll deduction.
  • Washington State Employee Assistance Program for health and well-being support.
• Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
  • Membership in the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) with two employer-contributed retirement program options.
  • Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) for supplemental retirement savings.
• Social Security and Medicare: Coverage under federal systems with equal contributions from the state and employee.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility for student loan forgiveness under qualifying criteria.
• Paid Leave:
  • Paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year (additional leave may apply for union members).
  • Sick leave accrual: 8 hours per month for full-time employees; pro-rated for part-time.
  • Vacation leave accrual based on WAC 357-31-165 or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
  • 21 days of paid military leave per year for armed forces members.
  • 5 days of paid bereavement leave for the loss of a family or household member or pregnancy loss.

About Eastern State Hospital

Located in Medical Lake, 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of Washington’s two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults. Established in 1891, ESH provides 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. ESH serves patients primarily from Eastern Washington, offering court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

For questions, contact Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06353.