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Prison Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Nurse information

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$17

$38

$65

How much do prison nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prison nurse do?

As a prison nurse, also known as a correctional nurse, your responsibilities are to provide general medical care for the inmate population in a prison facility. You work alongside other nurses, physicians, and medical professionals. Depending on the needs of the medical unit, you may also assess patients to screen for substance misuse or mental health issues. This career requires excellent communication, observation, and critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of your employer’s security procedures and protocols.

What kind of prison nurses work in prisons?

Prison nurses are healthcare professionals who provide medical care to inmates in correctional facilities. They typically have nursing licenses, experience in acute or mental health care, and may work in environments requiring security awareness and adherence to facility protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by prison nurses and how can they be managed?

Prison nurses often encounter unique challenges such as managing patients with complex mental health issues, providing care in a secure environment, and maintaining professional boundaries with incarcerated individuals. These challenges can be managed by staying up-to-date with correctional health protocols, participating in regular training on safety and de-escalation, and collaborating closely with correctional officers and other healthcare professionals. Building strong communication skills and resilience also helps prison nurses provide high-quality care while maintaining their own well-being.

How much do prison nurses make?

Prison nurses typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the facility and whether the nurse works full-time or part-time, often requiring knowledge of correctional health protocols and security procedures.

What is a prison nurse?

Prison nurses are registered nurses who provide healthcare to incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities. They are responsible for assessing, treating, and managing the medical needs of inmates, often under challenging and unique conditions. Their duties include administering medications, wound care, health screenings, and responding to emergencies. Prison nurses must also be vigilant about safety and security while delivering compassionate care. They play a critical role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of the prison population.

What is the difference between Prison Nurse vs Correctional Nurse?

AspectPrison NurseCorrectional Nurse
CredentialsRN license, CPR certificationRN license, CPR certification
Work EnvironmentPrison/jail healthcare unitsCorrectional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryState/federal prisons, jailsCorrectional institutions, detention centers
Job FocusProviding healthcare to inmates, managing chronic conditionsSimilar duties, often used interchangeably with Prison Nurse

Prison Nurse and Correctional Nurse roles are very similar, often used interchangeably. Both require RN licensure and involve providing healthcare within correctional facilities. The main difference is terminology, with 'Correctional Nurse' being a broader term that encompasses roles in various detention settings. Both positions focus on inmate health, managing chronic conditions, and emergency care in secure environments.

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

To thrive as a Prison Nurse, you need a solid background in clinical nursing, emergency response, and mental health care, usually backed by a current RN license and relevant experience. Familiarity with electronic health records, medication management systems, and security protocols specific to correctional facilities is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you build trust with inmates and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. These skills are vital for ensuring quality care, maintaining safety, and addressing the unique challenges of the correctional environment.
What cities are hiring for Prison Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Prison Nurse job openings:
What states have the most Prison Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Nurse jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prison Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner (Part-time): Sussex State Prison

State of Virginia

Sussex, VA

$62.19 - $87.64/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Nurse Practitioner (Part-time): Sussex State Prison

Apply now Job no: 5108770
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Sussex, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services, Public Safety

Title: Nurse Practitioner (Part-time): Sussex State Prison

State Role Title: RN III/Nurse Prct II

Hiring Range: $62.19 - $87.64/hour

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Sussex I State Prison

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position provides total health care to inmates (routine, chronic and emergency care), maintaining continuity of care from admission to discharge. It ensures safe medication administration and providing health services in accordance with Department of Corrections (DOC) policy, American Correctional Association (ACA) standards of care, and ensures operational policies and procedures are followed. To function as a medical health provider to the inmates by performing initial and ongoing medical assessments, prescribing appropriate medication and/or mechanical measures to assist inmates with their medical needs, and assisting with preparation/modification of medical treatment plans. Assignments to other duties or locations may be necessary to meet the clinical and administrative needs of the Department.
Please note that this is not a psychiatric position.
This is a wage position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours per agency during the 12-month period of May 1 - April 30, regardless of the hire date. The wage employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. All wage employees are limited to working no more than 29 hours per week on average over the 12-month period. This wage position offers no state benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited school
Licensed to practice in the State of Virginia as a Nurse Practitioner
Extensive knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities (symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures)
Knowledge of professional and ethical standards of practice and interventions appropriate for the assigned population
Ability to function effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and to communicate effectively with staff
Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers with current certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) is required upon hire

Additional Considerations

Experience working in a Correctional Environment
Experience treating in a public health care setting
Comprehensive knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria
Credentialing and experience in primary care ambulatory or hospitalist settings.
Ability for short term travel not anticipated to exceed 10% annually.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or resume for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or resume.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or resume.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Christina Payne

Phone: (804) 971-6084

Email: Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 03 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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