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Prison Nursing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Nursing information

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$13

$29

$43

How much do prison nursing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison nursing in the United States is $29.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a prison nurse?

To become a prison nurse, you typically need to earn a nursing license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Relevant experience in correctional or mental health nursing can be beneficial, and some facilities may require additional training or certifications in security procedures or mental health care.

Do prison nurses get paid more?

Prison nurses typically earn similar or slightly higher salaries compared to other nursing roles due to the specialized environment and security requirements. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and additional certifications such as correctional health training. Overall, pay differences are often influenced by the facility and regional pay scales rather than the job title alone.

What kind of nurses work in prisons?

Prison nurses are registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide healthcare services to inmates. They assess, treat, and manage a variety of medical conditions in a correctional setting, often working with limited resources and following security protocols. Certification in correctional health or experience in mental health can be beneficial for this role.

What is the difference between Prison Nursing vs Correctional Nursing?

AspectPrison NursingCorrectional Nursing
CredentialsRN license, possibly specialized trainingRN license, correctional health training
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centersCorrectional facilities, jails
Employer & IndustryState/federal prisons, private detention centersCorrectional health services, government agencies
Common Search IntentPrison Nursing vs Correctional NursingPrison Nursing vs Correctional Nursing

Prison Nursing and Correctional Nursing are often used interchangeably, both involving providing healthcare within correctional facilities. However, Prison Nursing typically emphasizes working directly in prisons or detention centers, while Correctional Nursing may encompass a broader range of correctional health settings, including jails and detention centers. Both roles require RN licensure and specialized training in correctional health, with similar work environments and employer types. Understanding these nuances helps candidates find the right fit for their correctional healthcare career.

More about Prison Nursing jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Nursing jobs? Cities with the most Prison Nursing job openings:
What states have the most Prison Nursing jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Nursing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Nursing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Nursing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prison Nursing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,926 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Licensed Practical Nurse Per Diem UCHC SWSP (multiple vacancies)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

Bridgeton, NJ • On-site

$29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Licensed Practical Nurse Per Diem UCHC SWSP (multiple vacancies)

Recruitment/Posting Title - Licensed Practical Nurse Per Diem UCHC SWSP (multiple vacancies)

Job Category - Staff & Executive - Medical (Clinical) - Nursing

Department - UCHC South Woods Prison Nursing

Overview - University Correctional Health Care (UCHC), operating within Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated to excellence in providing physical, mental health, dental, and sex offender treatment services to those involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems in New Jersey. UCHC operates with a total budget of $160 million and approximately 1,100 staff serving roughly 12,500 inmates in twelve adult correctional facilities, 400 residents in fourteen JJC locations, and 1,000 individuals in ten state parole board offices. We are committed to being a leader in the delivery of effective, compassionate, and accessible care informed by research within correctional environments. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the state of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766 and celebrating a milestone 250th anniversary in 2016, the university is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 67,000 students and 22,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers locations across New Jersey and around the world.

Posting Summary - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking Per Diem Licensed Practical Nurse (Medical) for Southwoods State Prison, located in Bridgeton, NJ. The primary purpose of the Licensed Practical Nurse position is to, in accordance with professional nursing standards, skillfully administer total patient care based on the individualized needs of assigned patients and families. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, provides technical nursing care to assigned patients, performs treatments and procedures within established guidelines, and provides a safe and therapeutic environment.

Among the key duties of this position are the following: Participates in data collection related to the patients' status and needs. Provides input to Registered Nurse for incorporation into the plan of care by communicating information pertinent to the patient's status. Provides direct patient care within scope of practice to ensure implementation of the plan of care. Informs and instructs patients/significant others on patient's health/illness state and plan of care. Assists patient/significant other in preparation for discharge and health maintenance in the home. Documents all aspects of patient care.

FLSA - Nonexempt

Grade - 99H

Salary Details - $29.00/hr

Minimum Salary - 29.00

Mid Range Salary - 29.00

Maximum Salary - 29.00

Offer Information - The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits - Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs

Position Status - Per Diem

Working Hours - 19

Standard Hours - 19.00

Daily Work Shift - Rotating

Work Arrangement - This position requires a full onsite work arrangement

Union Description - Teamster Per Diem

Payroll Designation - PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment - Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility - PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Certifications/Licenses - Possession of a valid registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of New Jersey. CPR Certification. Valid Driver's License is required. Must possess own vehicle or alternative means of transportation from one site to another.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications - At least six (6) months of experience in an acute hospital setting preferred.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment - As a first responder must have the physical capacity to perform CPR for at least 10 minutes. Physically able to assist in lifting and rotating patients who are unable to ambulate (up to 50 pounds).

Special Conditions - Must be approved by the Department of Corrections (DOC) and adhere to all DOC requirements.

Posting Details

Posting Number - 26ST0694

Posting Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus - Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus - Off Campus

City - Bridgeton

State - NJ

Location Details - Southwoods State Prison, located in Bridgeton, NJ

Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement


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