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Correctional Nursing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking for a great Travel Correctional Nursing Job in Memphis, Missouri? LanceSoft posted this Travel Nursing Job that offers 36 hours a week for 13 weeks in Memphis, Missouri. Vivian Health ...

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Correctional Nursing information

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$29K

$54K

$75K

How much do correctional nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional nursing in the United States is $54,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is correctional nursing?

Correctional nursing is a specialized field of nursing that involves providing healthcare services to individuals who are incarcerated in prisons, jails, or detention centers. Correctional nurses are responsible for assessing, treating, and managing the health needs of inmates, often working with patients who have complex medical, mental health, or substance abuse issues. They play a critical role in maintaining public health and safety within correctional facilities while ensuring that all patients receive ethical and quality care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a correctional nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Nurse, you need a solid background in nursing practices, mental health care, emergency response, and a current RN or LPN license. Familiarity with electronic health records, medication dispensing systems, and safety protocols for secure environments is essential. Excellent communication, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and sound judgment are vital soft skills for building trust and managing challenging situations. These competencies ensure safe, compassionate, and effective care for incarcerated populations in a unique and often high-risk setting.

What are some unique challenges correctional nurses face compared to traditional healthcare settings?

Correctional nurses often encounter unique challenges such as managing patients with complex mental health needs, providing care in a secure environment with strict safety protocols, and working with limited resources. The patient population may have higher rates of chronic illness and communicable diseases, requiring nurses to be adaptable and resourceful. Additionally, correctional nurses collaborate closely with correctional officers and other healthcare providers, balancing security requirements with the delivery of compassionate care.

What is the difference between Correctional Nursing vs Emergency Room Nursing?

AspectCorrectional NursingEmergency Room Nursing
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), CPR certificationRegistered Nurse (RN), CPR certification
Work EnvironmentPrisons, jails, detention centersHospitals, urgent care, ER departments
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, government agenciesHospitals, emergency clinics
Common Search/ComparisonCorrectional Nursing vs Emergency Room Nursing

Correctional Nursing involves providing healthcare services within correctional facilities, focusing on inmate health needs. Emergency Room Nursing, on the other hand, involves delivering urgent care in hospital ERs. While both roles require RN credentials and CPR certification, correctional nurses work in secure environments with unique security protocols, whereas ER nurses handle acute emergencies in fast-paced hospital settings. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals choose the right career path based on work environment and patient population.

How do you become a correctional nurse?

To become a correctional nurse, you must first earn a registered nurse (RN) license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional experience in mental health, emergency care, or corrections is beneficial, and some employers may require or prefer certification in correctional health or related fields.
More about Correctional Nursing jobs

What cities are hiring for Correctional Nursing jobs?

Cities with the most Correctional Nursing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Nursing jobs?

The most popular types of Correctional Nursing jobs are:

What states have the most Correctional Nursing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Nursing jobs include:

Infographic showing various Correctional Nursing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.

LPN Days Correctional Nursing

Southern Health Partners, Inc.

Pikeville, KY • On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today


Southern Health Partners rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

LPN - Day Shift Pike County Jail
Location: Pike County Jail - Pikeville, KY
Schedule: 3/4 Rotation 12-Hour Day Shifts Every Other Weekend
DailyPay Available - Work Today. Get Paid Today.
Looking for a nursing career where you can focus on patient care instead of constant hospital chaos?
At Southern Health Partners (SHP), our LPNs are valued members of the healthcare team. You'll work in a structured, supportive environment where your clinical skills are respected, your voice is heard, and every shift gives you the opportunity to make a real difference.
Why You'll Love Working Days with SHP
  • Supportive team that works together
  • Consistent schedule that supports work-life balance
  • Practice at the top of your license
  • Less chaos, more meaningful patient interaction
  • Safe, secure work environment
  • DailyPay available when you need it

What You'll Do
  • Deliver quality nursing care with compassion and professionalism
  • Administer medications and treatments according to provider orders
  • Assess patient conditions and respond appropriately to medical needs
  • Maintain accurate documentation and medication records
  • Partner with providers and correctional staff to ensure excellent patient care

Benefits That Support You
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Pre-Tax Options)
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • 8 Paid Holidays plus Your Birthday Off
  • Bi-Weekly Pay or DailyPay Access
  • 401(k) Eligibility After One Year
  • Monthly Continuing Education Opportunities
  • Tuition Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Company-Paid Professional Liability Insurance

Why Choose Correctional Nursing?
Correctional nursing offers something many healthcare settings can't-a chance to build strong clinical skills, practice with greater autonomy, and care for an underserved population in a calm, structured environment. Every day brings meaningful work, supportive teammates, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on patients who need it most.
Follow Life at SHP
Instagram: @LifeAtSHP
Facebook: @SouthernHealthPartners
X: @SHPJailMedical
Southern Health Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All applicants are subject to pre-employment drug screening and facility security clearance.

What Southern Health Partners employees say

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About Southern Health Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Southern Health Partners (SHP) is a leading provider of medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates in county and city jail facilities across the southern United States. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, it has been providing quality inmate healthcare since its establishment in 1994. Recognized in the correctional healthcare industry, SHP ensures the provision of essential healthcare services to a population that's often overlooked. The company upholds key values of research-based practices, continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and ethical behavior. Its mission is to provide affordable, quality inmate healthcare and protect community health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1994

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