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Prison Healthcare Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Central Prison Healthcare Complex

Psych RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name Central Prison Healthcare Complex Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty Psych Job ID 35540503 Job Title Psych RN Weekly Pay $2209.0 Shift Details Week 1 Shift ...

MedCepts

Medical Device - 1 of a kind

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$100K/yr

All Health care related facilities and more! Acute and Non-acute care facilities, Hospitals (IDN ... Prison Health Centers, Student Health Centers, Birthing centers, dialysis centers, Oral and ...

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How much do prison healthcare jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison healthcare in the United States is $35.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $45.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prison healthcare?

Prison healthcare refers to the medical and mental health services provided to individuals who are incarcerated in prisons or correctional facilities. This care includes routine check-ups, treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, dental care, mental health support, and emergency services. The goal is to ensure that incarcerated individuals receive a standard of healthcare comparable to that available in the community, as mandated by law and human rights standards. Providing adequate healthcare in prisons is crucial for the well-being of inmates and for public health, as many prisoners eventually return to the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in prison healthcare, and why are they important?

To thrive in Prison Healthcare, you need a solid background in medical or mental health care, typically supported by relevant degrees and professional licensure such as RN, LPN, or mental health credentials. Familiarity with correctional facility protocols, electronic health records (EHR), and compliance with legal and ethical standards is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and sound judgment are essential for building trust and maintaining safety in challenging environments. These skills ensure the delivery of quality healthcare while addressing the unique needs and risks associated with correctional settings.

What are some unique challenges healthcare professionals face when working in a prison environment?

Healthcare professionals in prison settings often encounter challenges such as managing complex patient needs within a secure environment, balancing confidentiality with security protocols, and addressing a higher prevalence of chronic and mental health conditions. Collaboration with correctional staff is essential to ensure both safety and effective care. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trust with patients who may be distrustful of authority are key to succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Prison Healthcare vs Correctional Nurse?

AspectPrison HealthcareCorrectional Nurse
CredentialsRN license, CPR certificationRN license, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centersPrisons, detention centers
Employer & IndustryGovernment correctional facilitiesGovernment correctional facilities
Job FocusProviding healthcare services to inmatesProviding nursing care within correctional facilities

Prison Healthcare and Correctional Nurse roles both involve providing medical care within correctional facilities, requiring similar credentials and work environments. The main difference is that Prison Healthcare is a broader term encompassing all healthcare services in prisons, while Correctional Nurse specifically refers to nursing duties within these settings.

Do prisons have medical staff?

Prison healthcare jobs typically involve medical staff such as doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals who provide healthcare services to inmates. These professionals work within correctional facilities to address a range of medical needs, often following specific security and safety protocols. Certification and training in correctional health are important for these roles.

What kind of nurses work in prisons?

Prison healthcare typically employs registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) who provide medical care to inmates. These nurses must be skilled in emergency response, mental health, and chronic disease management, often working in secure, correctional environments with specific safety protocols.
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What cities are hiring for Prison Healthcare jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Healthcare job openings:

What states have the most Prison Healthcare jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Healthcare jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Prison Healthcare jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Prison Healthcare jobs are:

Prison Healthcare jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Healthcare job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,943 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Waikeria Prison

Remote

Department of Corrections
See more jobs at Department of Correctionsexternal

$77K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse at Waikeria Prison

Our Nurses benefit from a genuine work-life balance, avoiding night shift work while engaging in a diverse range of practice settings. They operate in an environment that not only supports them but also provides professional career opportunities. Working in our prison health centres presents nurses with unique opportunities to develop and apply their skills across a broad spectrum of clinical areas. Daily responsibilities involve providing a comprehensive range of primary health care services, assessing and managing individuals with various health needs, including physical and mental health, substance abuse, health education, and responding to emergencies while offering acute care.

As a Registered Nurse at Waikeria, you will work in a fast‑evolving environment where resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to professional practice are essential. We are seeking nurses who can respond positively to change and who are motivated to make a meaningful difference to health outcomes for people in our care, while contributing to a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

We have permanent full-time and part-time opportunities at Waikeria Prison for Registered Nurses who can demonstrate: recent clinical experience in either primary or secondary health care nursing, a diverse range of post-graduate clinical exposure, the ability to assess and respond effectively to emergency situations, a strong motivation to continue learning and advancing professionally, a non-judgmental approach, and experience in triage.

As the successful candidate, you will hold registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate. Your role requires a foundation in strong cultural competence, encompassing an understanding of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application, along with cultural knowledge and experience in working with and for Māori, whānau, and iwi.

The full salary range is $77,289 - $108,874 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role.

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Pae Ora, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

You can find out more about us here.

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