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Jail Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$65 - $69/hr

*Day Shift position - Wed - Sat (4/10s) - Monterey County Jail. * Pay: $65.00 - $69.00/hr Position Requirements: Must hold and maintain a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of ...

Shasta County Jail - Redding, CA 96001Position Type: MEDIKO Employee - PRN/as neededSalary Range ... The Registered Nurse (RN) will provide direct patient care in a correctional setting, including ...

Shasta County Jail - Redding, CA 96001Position Type: MEDIKO Employee - Full TimeSalary Range: $54 ... The Registered Nurse (RN) will provide direct patient care in a correctional setting, including ...

New

Shasta County Jail - Redding, CA 96001Position Type: MEDIKO Employee - Full TimeSalary Range: $54 ... The Registered Nurse (RN) will provide direct patient care in a correctional setting, including ...

Shasta County Jail - Redding, CA 96001Position Type: MEDIKO Employee - PRN/as neededSalary Range ... The Registered Nurse (RN) will provide direct patient care in a correctional setting, including ...

How you make a difference As a Registered Nurse(RN), your primary responsibilityis toprovidepatient ... Job 26-188158 Facility CA El Dorado Cty SLT Jail Type PRN Shift PRN Recruiter : Full Name: First ...

Psych Registered Nurse

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$65 - $69/hr

*Positions for Night Shift - Monterey County Jail. * Pay: $65.00 - $69.00/hr Position Requirements: Must hold and maintain a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of employment ...

*Multiple positions for PRN - Day and Night Shifts - Yuba County Jail. * Pay: $63.00/hr Position Requirements: Must hold and maintain a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of ...

Showing results 21-40

Jail Rn information

See California salary details

$10

$44

$93

How much do jail rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail rn in California is $44.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.95 and $54.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail RN?

Jail RNs, or Registered Nurses working in jails, are healthcare professionals responsible for providing medical care to incarcerated individuals. Their duties include assessing and treating inmates' health issues, administering medications, responding to emergencies, and coordinating care with physicians and other healthcare staff. Jail RNs must be skilled in providing care in a secure, challenging environment and must also be aware of legal, ethical, and safety considerations unique to correctional settings.

What are some unique challenges a jail RN faces compared to other nursing environments?

As a Jail RN, you'll encounter unique challenges such as managing complex health needs within a secure and often resource-limited setting. You must be adept at providing care to individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health or substance use issues, while prioritizing safety for yourself and others. Collaboration with correctional officers and mental health professionals is essential, and you'll need to adapt to strict protocols and security measures not typically present in traditional healthcare environments.

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

To thrive as a Jail RN, you need a solid background in nursing, current RN licensure, and experience in correctional or emergency care environments. Familiarity with correctional health protocols, electronic medical records (EMRs), and infection control procedures is essential. Strong judgment, crisis management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working with incarcerated populations and multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and compliance with legal and ethical standards in the unique correctional healthcare setting.

Do prisons hire new jail RNs?

Prisons do hire new registered nurses (RNs) to provide healthcare services to inmates. These positions typically require valid nursing licensure, and candidates may need experience in acute or correctional healthcare settings. Hiring processes vary by facility but often include background checks and security clearances.

How much do jail RNs make?

Jail RNs typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and facility. They provide medical care in correctional facilities and often work shifts that include nights and weekends.

What are popular job titles related to Jail Rn jobs in California?

For Jail Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Jail Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Jail Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Jail Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,214 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I/II

County of Siskiyou, CA

Yreka, CA โ€ข On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary : $69,700.80 - $94,494.40 Annually
Location : Yreka, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 2026-02237
Department: HHSA - PUBLIC HEALTH
Division: Public Health
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: RG
Description
The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.
For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. Salary Schedule
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I $33.51 - $42.80Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse II $35.58 - $45.43This position is for a full-time Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse at the Jail; schedule will be 10 hours daily, Friday through Monday.
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I
DEFINITION
Under general direction and supervision from the Correctional Nurse (RN) or physician, provides some nursing services in the Jail facility and Juvenile Hall essential to the prevention of disease and disability, health promotion and maintenance, and restoration of personal health within the scope of public health laws and regulations, Title 15 and IMQ standards. Provides administrative support and assistance to the Correction Nurse and inmate health program physician; performs related work as required. This classification is a for cause, exempt position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general supervision from the County Health Officer and supervision from the Correctional Nurse (RN), assists with managing the County Jail and Juvenile Hall medical care program on a 24-hour basis and assist Correctional Nurse (RN) with sick call; performs specialized or general nursing in any of a variety of specialized areas of nursing care consistent with their correctional assignment; has the primary responsibility of coordinating and maintaining inventory of clinic supplies (including inmate medications).
REPORTS TO
Director of Public Health Division, Supervising Correctional Nurse, Public Health Officer/Correctional Physician, or Deputy Director of Public Health
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory position.
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse II
DEFINITION
Under general direction and supervision provides Licensed Vocational Nursing services within the Jail facility essential to the prevention of disease and disability, health promotion and maintenance, and restoration of personal health. Ability to deliver services in accordance with Title 15 and NCCHC Standards for Correctional Health Services. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general supervision from the County Health Officer and supervision from the Supervising Correctional Nurse, assists with managing the County Jail medical care program on a 24-hour basis and assist Correctional Nurse (RN) with sick call; performs specialized or general nursing in any of a variety of specialized areas of nursing care consistent with their correctional assignment; has the primary responsibility of coordinating and maintaining inventory of clinic supplies (including inmate medications).
REPORTS TO
Director of Public Health Division, Supervising Correctional Nurse, Public Health Officer/Correctional Physician; or Deputy Director of Public Health
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory position.
Examples of Duties
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I
Essential duties:
Assists Physician and Correctional Nurse with inmate health care; occasionally conducts individual assessments, conducts interviews including admission physicals and exams to determine the nature and extent of nursing services required; obtains health histories; provides appropriate medical treatment at the direction and under the supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or Physician; assists patients in obtaining adequate services and benefits which promote health; follows up on patient progress as appropriate; prepares and maintains accurate and complete case documentation; assists with appropriate diagnostic and screening tests and procedures; performs routine and standardized lab testing as directed; draws blood as directed; gives injections as directed; assists with treatments under the direction and supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or physician; responsible for securing and maintaining inventory of stock medications and supplies including controlled substances and inmate medications; assists with implementation of the inmate self-administration of medication; provide emergency first aid; provide triage and treatment of medical emergencies; checks and records vital signs; instructs inmates concerning discharge planning; assists with management of sick call clinics; administers and maintains accurate TB testing records if ordered and communicates with public health with positive tests; prepares inmate medical transfer packets; coordinates, assembles and maintains accurate patient data health info; coordinates referrals to outside agencies for follow-up treatments; evaluates necessary referrals; prepares and administers oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications as directed. Operates and maintains a variety of clinical medical equipment.
Communicates and consults with Correctional staff, Behavioral Health staff, and other Correctional facilities as well as Court Officers. Compiles data: maintains and prepares monthly statistical reports as required. Reports to work for afterhours "on call" as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Working knowledge of vocational nursing techniques, practices and procedures; routine medical/psychological assessment techniques.
  • Principles and practices of phlebotomy; administering medications and treatment.
  • Medical terminology, instruments and equipment.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • The uses, effects and adverse reactions to medications and controlled substances.
  • Universal precautions consistent with infectious disease control and accurate charting and medical record keeping practices.
  • Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment. Some knowledge of emergency response practices and procedures and the law governing vocational nursing scope of practice.

Desired skills:
  • Assess physical/psychological condition and interview inmates to obtain medical histories.
  • Deal effectively with manipulative, hostile and antisocial behavior.
  • Respond effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Work in an institutional setting and learn and apply institutional rules, policies and regulations.
  • Explain medical procedures, treatments and medications to inmates.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Maintain accurate and well documented inmate medical records and write routine reports.
  • Maintain confidentiality of medical information, medical records and Criminal Justice information.
  • Make effective, reasonable and responsible decisions in emergencies and take appropriate action.
  • Deal firmly and fairly with inmates and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
  • Learn to identify alcohol, drug and street drug related symptoms and behaviors.
  • Apply first aid and CPR which requires stamina and coordination.

Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse II
Essential duties:
Assists Physician/Psychiatrist and Supervising Correctional Nurse with inmate health care; occasionally conducts individual assessments, conducts interviews including admission physicals and exams to determine the nature and extent of nursing services required; obtains health histories; provides appropriate medical treatment at the direction and under the supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or Physician; assists patients in obtaining adequate services and benefits which promote health; follows up on patient progress as appropriate; prepares and maintains accurate and complete case documentation; assists with appropriate diagnostic and screening tests and procedures; performs routine and standardized lab testing as directed; draws blood as directed; gives injections as directed; assists with treatments under the direction and supervision of the Correctional Nurse (RN) or physician; responsible for securing and maintaining inventory of stock medications and supplies including controlled substances and inmate medications; assists with implementation of the inmate self-administration of medication; provide emergency first aid; provide triage and treatment of medical emergencies; checks and records vital signs; instructs inmates concerning discharge planning; assists with management of sick call clinics; administers and maintains accurate TB testing records if ordered and communicates with public health with positive tests; prepares inmate medical transfer packets; coordinates, assembles and maintains accurate patient data health info; coordinates referrals to outside agencies for follow-up treatments; evaluates necessary referrals; prepares and administers oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications as directed. Operates and maintains a variety of clinical medical equipment. Communicates and consults with Correctional staff, Behavioral Health staff, and other Correctional facilities as well as Court Officers. Compiles data; maintains and prepares monthly statistical reports as required. Reports to work for after-hours "stand-by" as assigned. Incumbents work shift schedules possibly involving night, weekend and holiday work in a 24-hour, seven day a week operation. Always works within the Scope of Practice for the Licensed Vocational Nurse and the Correctional Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2020).
Knowledge of:
  • Working knowledge of vocational nursing techniques, practices and procedures; routine medical/psychological assessment techniques;
  • Principles and practices of phlebotomy; administering medications and treatment;
  • Medical terminology, instruments and equipment;
  • Interviewing techniques;
  • The uses, effects and adverse reactions to medications and controlled substances;
  • Universal precautions consistent with infectious disease control and accurate charting and medical record keeping practices.
  • Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment. Some knowledge of emergency response practices and procedures and the law governing vocational nursing scope of practice.
Desired skills:
  • Assess physical/psychological condition and interview inmates to obtain medical histories;
  • Deal effectively with manipulative, hostile and antisocial behavior;
  • Respond effectively in emergency and stressful situations;
  • Work in an institutional setting and learn and apply institutional rules, policies and regulations;
  • Explain medical procedures, treatments and medications to inmates;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • Maintain accurate and well documented inmate medical records and write routine reports;
  • Maintain confidentiality of medical information, medical records and Criminal Justice information;
  • Make effective, reasonable and responsible decisions in emergencies and take appropriate action;
  • Deal firmly and fairly with inmates and demonstrate tact and diplomacy;
  • Learn to identify alcohol, drug and street drug related symptoms and behaviors;
  • Apply first aid and CPR which requires stamina and coordination.
  • Perform blood draws per licensure.

Typical Qualifications
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse I
Training and Experience:
Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners; proof of satisfactory completion of prescribed course of instruction approved by LVN Board in with withdrawal of blood from patients, possession of a current CPR certificate; and possess and maintain a California Driver's License.
Special Requirements:
Available to correctional staff on a 24 hour/7-day week basis and in accordance with the standby policy outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding; return to the facility after hours to assess, triage and assist in the treatment of medical emergencies if necessary; manage medication needs of inmates booked after hours; contact and consult with staff physician after hours when needed. Incumbents work shift schedules possibly involving night, weekend and holiday work in a 24-hour, seven day a week operation. Incumbents will also be assigned on-call shifts.
Fingerprinting and a background investigation are required. Must obtain and maintain security clearance from the county Sheriff's Dept.
Possession of a valid license as a Vocational Nurse issued by the State of California Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.
Correctional Licensed Vocational Nurse II
Training and Experience:
Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties are qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:
-Five years of experience as a Correctional LVN in either a jail or prison setting and a minimum of one year experience comparable to that of a Correctional LVN I at the Siskiyou County Jail.
Special Requ