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Correctional Nursing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wellpath

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Springfield, VT

$31K - $41K/yr

Overview The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is responsible for ...

Wellpath

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Springfield, VT

$31K - $41K/yr

How you make a difference The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is ...

Wellpath

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Springfield, VT

$31K - $41K/yr

How you make a difference The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is ...

Wellpath

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Springfield, VT

$31K - $41K/yr

The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is responsible for organizing ...

Wellpath

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Springfield, VT · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

How you make a difference The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is ...

Lancesoft INC

Registered Nurse - Correctional

Memphis, MO · On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/wk

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 ...

ATC Columbia

Corrections Nurse

Columbia, SC · On-site

$40/hr

Graduation from an accredited program of nursing, at the Registered Nurse level or Practical Nurse ... Correctional facility setting. * Possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially ...

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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 Jul 27, 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.

How much does a nurse make at a correctional facility?

Correctional nurses typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work in secure environments, often requiring knowledge of security protocols and basic medical skills. Salaries can vary based on facility size and state regulations.

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.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Correctional nurses can earn $300,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, working in high-paying facilities, taking on supervisory or specialized roles, and often working overtime or multiple shifts. Advanced certifications and a strong understanding of security protocols can also increase earning potential in this field.

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.

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 type of nurse works in a correctional facility?

A correctional nurse is a registered nurse who provides healthcare services to inmates in correctional facilities. They assess, treat, and manage a variety of medical conditions, often working with limited resources and following security protocols. Certification in correctional health or emergency nursing can be beneficial for this role.

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.

How do I become a correctional nurse?

To become a correctional nurse, you need to first obtain a registered nurse (RN) license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Relevant experience in medical-surgical or emergency nursing is often preferred, and additional training in correctional health or security procedures may be required by employers.
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:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Nursing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Nursing jobs are:
Correctional Nursing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Nursing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.
Correctional Nursing Assistant

Correctional Nursing Assistant

Wellpath

Springfield, VT

$31K - $41K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Wellpath rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

374th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The Correctional Nursing Assistant provides direct support under the supervision of licensed nurses, assisting with patient care and medication distribution. This role is responsible for organizing and documenting keep-on-person medications, maintaining medication storage areas, and ensuring compliance with state practice acts and facility policies. The position assists providers during sick-call and chronic care appointments by recording vital signs, obtaining specimens, and performing point-of-care testing. Additional responsibilities include facilitating telehealth visits, assisting with procedures such as EKGs, managing sharps inventory, and ensuring infection control. This role requires working in a correctional facility environment and may involve travel as needed.


Responsibilities

  • Distribute, document, and manage keep-on-person medications in compliance with nurse supervision and state regulations.

  • Maintain and organize medication rooms, carts, and inventories, including supplies, equipment, and sharps.

  • Assist providers with clinical appointments, recording vital signs, obtaining specimens, and performing point-of-care testing.

  • Support patient care through telehealth facilitation, EKG assistance, and infection control practices.

  • Ensure accurate documentation, patient confidentiality, and participation in audits, CQI activities, and compliance with HIPAA.


Qualifications

EDUCATION

  • High School graduate or equivalent

EXPERIENCE

  • 1-year related experience in a medical environment preferred

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

  • Must have current CPR Certification

  • Licensed as a Licensed Nursing Assistant

  • Medication Aide Certification is preferred within the state in which services are provided

What Wellpath employees say

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