DSHS WSH Registered Nurse 3

State of Washington

Pierce County – LakewoodFull Time99k–136k USDPosted Today

Posting number: 2026-06057

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: REGISTERED NURSE 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Nursing, Medical/Dental, Social Sciences, Health Care Support

SummaryDSHS WSH Registered Nurse 3

Western State Hospital (WSH) is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Washington, dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals with complex mental health needs. Located in Lakewood, WA, WSH offers a collaborative and supportive environment where healthcare professionals make a meaningful impact every day.

The Quality Management Department, Clinical Risk Management (CRM) RN3 reviews, provides analysis of data, and recommends information related to WSH quality functions. This position is essential in helping the hospital maintain Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) certification and patient safety. This position provides professional specialized nursing experience to the Quality Department and strategizes for improved patient care and acts as a clinical resource for staff. The incumbent participates in establishing, implementing, and improving the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program (QAPI). The CRM RN3 provides reports to hospital leadership, to improve the quality of patient care and mitigate risk.
 

Some of what you'll do:

Performs Hospital-wide CRM functions and interprets quality of nursing care and patient safety issues as an adjunct to the CRM team (CRMT).
Communicate with hospital leadership, treatment team members and interviews patients.
Describes and conducts nursing clinical reviews of injuries of unknown origin, Injuries resulting from alleged patient abuse/neglect as defined by policy, or serious injuries that result from peer-to-peer assault or self-injurious behavior.
Functions as a subject matter expert on Intensive Assessment (IA} reviews and Root Cause Analysis (RCA}.
Leads and/or facilities in IAs and RCAs.
Reports the findings of IAs and RCAs to the hosi:1ital Cabinet within the specified timeframes.
Functions as part of the Clinical Risk Management Team in rotating assessment of abuse/neglect hotline calls.
Reviews clinical practices of staff to determine the content of CRM reports and provides CRM reports to hospital leadership and Cabinet members. Creates and completes Department of Health report as appropriate.
Serves as a member of the Medication Variance Team Infection Prevention/Control Committee1 and/or other Quality Assessment Performance lmi:1rovement committees and/or programs.
Reviews Adverse Drug Events (ADE} and assists on other project improvement Processes
Conducts analysis and utilizes nursing judgement based on standards of practice

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Incumbent must have at least six months experience with Root Cause Analysis processes. Effectively communicates orally and in writing with peers and patients.
The ability to identify potential Near Miss and Sentinel Event occurrences in accordance with The Joint Commission and Western State Hospital policies.
Incumbent should be experienced with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and The Joint Commission (TJC) Standards and accreditation process.
Incumbent should be able to demonstrate appropriate, proficient. and knowledgeable report and policy writing skills and experience with project development.
Preference given to candidates with three years of prior experience working with psychiatric patients.
Should be proficient and have working knowledge of patient information systems, electronic health records and Microsoft Office. to include Access and Power Point.

Who should apply?
Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and at least two years professional nursing experience OR equivalent education/experience.

Questions? Contact peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06057.

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.

Supplemental 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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Ready to apply? You'll be taken to State of Washington's application page.