Registered Nurse 3 - L349 - WSP

Registered Nurse 3 - L349 - WSP

Salary

$9,001.00 - $14,749.00 Monthly

Location

Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

HS-WSP-2026-05736

Department

Dept. of Corrections

Division

HS - WSP

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Registered Nurse 3

WA State Penitentiary

Walla Walla, WA

Monthly Salary Range: $9,001 - $14,749

Shift: Wednesday to Sunday - 2200 - 0630

The Department of corrections is seeking a Registered Nurse 3 for the WA State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, WA.

This position supports the Department's mission to improve public safety by delivering and supervising others in the delivery of nursing services that promote health, foster healing, and support coping and adjusting to various health conditions.

This position supports the mission of the Health Services division by providing necessary, comprehensive, quality health services and promoting incarcerated individual wellness.

Duties

Provide clinical oversight of all nursing personnel under this position's supervision.

• Teach, instruct, monitor, supervise, and evaluate the implementation of tasks and the results of patient care assigned to staff nursing personnel.
• Ensure that nursing personnel are in attendance, capable and technically competent to practice nursing as assigned.
• Hold staff accountable for reporting to and performing work as scheduled so that staff safety and patient care are not compromised.
• Assign work to be performed by other nursing personnel based on the scope of practice allowed by law for the staff assigned the work and their knowledge, skills, credentials, and abilities to perform the work.
• Follow the guidelines of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure processes and staff management are fair and consistent.
• Perform staff evaluations in a fair, consistent, and timely manner to share positive feedback, and/or constructive critiques to encourage, challenge, and engage staff. Highlight opportunities for growth, professional development, and areas of expertise and success.

Assume accountability and responsibility for quality and efficacy of patient care services and delivery.

• Plan the delivery of health care, defining timeframes and pathways for delivery of services, prioritizing and sequencing care to be provided, ensuring continuity of care over time and place.
• Use critical thinking to determine when a patients condition dictates the need for a higher level of intervention or different modality of care.
• Identify when staff require clarification of orders to better provide practitioner-prescribed interventions in a timely and clinically responsive manner.
• Analyze and evaluate the structure, process and efficiency of service delivery, medical records documentation, and other nursing procedures to prevent complications, improve patient outcomes, and increase the quality of care.
• Manage medication administration and the area(s) where dispensed medications are stored so that medication is administered to patients safely and effectively; periodically review the maintenance logs, inventories, and other records as necessary to comply with Department directives and field instructions, Board of Pharmacy requirements, and DOH standards.
• Ensure that patients who have communicable diseases or whose health is at risk as a result of communicable disease are assessed, evaluated, and managed according to standardized infection control guidelines.

Ensure staff participation in training and orientation.

• Train, monitor, and supervise nursing staff to ensure that staff respond to medical emergencies involving incarcerated individuals, staff, and/or visitors in an appropriate, timely, and clinically competent manner, and emergency equipment and supplies are maintained in good working order, within expiration/usage dates and organized for immediate access and use.
• Participate as requested in planning the emergency response for natural disasters, drills, and other emergencies on all campuses of the institution.
• Practice and review the medical components of the emergency response plan as requested and update as needed, at least on an annual basis.
• Facilitate orientation process for new nursing staff and agency nurses. Provide technical guidance in using computer applications, such as CIPS, OMNI, and other equipment and software programs. Schedule attendance to security briefing, block training, OJT/orientation, etc., for new employees.
• Update training manuals and agency check list.

Use tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills, and abilities to practice nursing safely and effectively in the correctional setting and within the scope of practice defined by state law and administrative code so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient, and clinically appropriate.

• Assess, monitor, and interpret objective and subjective data collected about the health status, clinical condition or situation by interview, observation, inspection, and examination to identify patterns and variances from the desired outcome.
• Diagnose health problems and determination of the outcomes to be achieved as a result of nursing intervention.
• Provide direct patient care when appropriate and serve as a resource to staff.
• In accordance with the intent and provisions of established policies, practices, and procedures, employ appropriate safety techniques to push, pull, lift, and carry loads.

Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and via computer or other electronic media with incarcerated individuals, their families, other health care personnel, custody and other institutional personnel.

• Communicate so that information is solicited to identify problems and develop a solution. Ensure that plans to deliver care are implemented by self and others are revised as necessary, resulting in safe, timely, and clinically appropriate service provision.
• Protect the confidentiality of health records as mandated by law, professional standards, DOC Policy Directives, facility Operational Memoranda, and Health Care Unit procedures. Treat any and all health records or health information as confidential and privileged.
• Maintain accurate, legible and complete records of patient care including chart documentation of all patient requests for medical attention, objective data collected, treatment administered, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and patient education provided.
• Write nursing care plans and interdisciplinary treatment plans, and complete other entries to support the problem-oriented health care record.
• Legibly document clinical findings, the rationale and plan for actions taken to deliver nursing and other aspects of health care in the health record, computerized database and on DOC approved forms.

Actively participate in clinic/facility-wide Coordinated Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) projects and programs.

• Attend facility CQIP/QMP meetings and report back to nursing and support staff to keep nursing staff engaged in improving patient care at every level, on every shift, and at every bedside.
• Serve as the lead for at least one local quality improvement project per year and engage nursing staff in the process at some level to ensure all employees have an awareness and understanding of the principles of quality improvement and the goals for the organization.
• Participate/represent facility on state-wide quality improvement initiatives; share our processes and learn from other facilities; implement best practices in patient care.
• Participate in Health Services Quality Improvement activities.
• Practice in accordance with DOC Policy and WA DOC Health Plan.
• Participate in formal clinical oversight according to facility and DOC Health Services Clinical Oversight Structure.

Manage the human, medical, and office supplies and resources of Health Services in a manner that is appropriate and financially responsible.

• Evaluate, monitor, and order medical supplies to ensure necessary and sufficient quantities are available.
• Work with office staff to ensure supplies are ordered in a timely fashion.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to add/delete stock items (par levels).
• Working with headquarters staff, make arrangements for nursing staff to have equipment sufficient to provide patient care.

Establish therapeutic relationships that preserve professional boundaries with patients.

• Use therapeutic relationships to counsel, teach, and assist incarcerated individuals to reduce health risks, improve their ability to provide self-care, manage symptoms and side effects, to participate in prescribed treatment regimen, and to make informed decisions about health care and treatment.
• Provide accurate, authoritative information to groups or communities, including colleagues and correctional personnel so that good clinical practices and healthy behaviors are promoted and health risks are reduced.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in the State of Washington as a Registered Nurse

OR

• An unencumbered Multi-State License from a participating Compact Licensure State and completion of the MLS demographic survey.

AND

• Two years' experience working as a Registered Nurse.
• Training by the American Heart Association in Healthcare Providers CPR.
• Proficient using computer-based programs to schedule, monitor and track patient information, perform data entry and word processing, and communicate via email, as well as other programs that may be needed to complete assigned work.
• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.

In addition to the above, this position requires:

Analysis - Uses data and information in a clear and rationale thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions and make decisions. Identifies key facts, understands the nature and relationship between data elements, recognizes underlying principles or patterns in an array of data, and determines if additional data should be collected. Uses judgment and critical thinking in the absence of clear guidelines to draw conclusions about further action.

Observation and Inspection - Critically observes and inspects people, conditions, and the environment to detect problems. Acutely aware of critical details, alert and attentive when performing other work, understands normal conditions and constantly compares the current status to the norm to identify subtle changes and incremental deviation, makes informed judgment about when a change in current status must occur and determines appropriate action. Uses insight to identify contributing and mediating factors. Understands thorough documentation and other forms of communication to cause others to understand and take appropriate action.

Decisiveness - Makes timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited. Recognizes when a decision must be made and moves forward, delegates decision making authority appropriately, advocates for important patient care objectives and finds common ground, and solutions among diverse interests.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting or a correctional facility.
• Certification as a Correctional Healthcare Professional.

Supplemental Information

Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• Peoples safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting peoples success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. 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 position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:

Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge peoples differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email kathey.waggoner@doc1.wa.govor call us at 509-907-7808 For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Do you possess: • Initial and continuous unencumbered licensure in the State of Washington as a Registered Nurse OR • An unencumbered Multi-State License from a participating Compact Licensure State and completion of the MLS demographic survey.

• Yes
• No

02

Please list your license number and state issued.

03

Do you possess a minimum of two years' experience working as a Registered Nurse?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a training by the American Heart Association in Healthcare Providers CPR.

• Yes
• No

05

Are you proficient using computer-based programs to schedule, monitor and track patient information, perform data entry and word processing, and communicate via email, as well as other programs that may be needed to complete assigned work?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess the ability to work independently and with limited supervision?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess experience working as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting or a correctional facility?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a certification as a Correctional Healthcare Professional?

• Yes
• No

09

3100 - Please indicate your highest level of education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

10

3100 - Are you a current DOC employee?

• Yes
• No

11

3100 - If you have a degree obtained outside of the United States, have you included a foreign credential evaluation report with your application? (You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org)

• Yes
• No
• NA

12

3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

13

3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

14

3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov