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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 Jul 16, 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 to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Prison nursing salaries can reach $300,000 with advanced experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-paying facilities or overtime. Increasing your hours, pursuing leadership roles, or working in high-security or federal prisons can also boost income. Developing expertise in mental health or correctional health can further enhance earning potential.

How much do nurses make in prison?

Prison nurses typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and facility. They provide healthcare services within correctional facilities and often work shifts that include nights and weekends.

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.

What nurses work in prisons?

Prison nurses are registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide healthcare services to inmates in correctional facilities. They assess, treat, and manage a variety of medical conditions, often working in secure environments that require knowledge of security protocols and sometimes specialized training in mental health or substance abuse. These nurses typically work full-time shifts and must adhere to facility policies and confidentiality standards.

How do you become a correctional nurse?

To become a correctional nurse, you typically need to hold a valid registered nurse (RN) license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional experience in mental health, emergency care, or corrections is beneficial, and some facilities may require specialized training or certifications such as CPR or first aid. Working in correctional settings also requires strong communication skills and the ability to handle challenging environments.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,926 per year, or $29.3 per hour.
Registered Nurse Supervisor: Sussex State Prison

Registered Nurse Supervisor: Sussex State Prison

State of Virginia

Sussex, VA

Other

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 23 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

Registered Nurse Supervisor: Sussex State Prison

Apply now Job no: 5107639
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Sussex, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services, Public Safety

Title: Registered Nurse Supervisor: Sussex State Prison

State Role Title: RN II/Nurse Prct I/Phy Asst

Hiring Range: $48.62 - $55.54/hour

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Sussex I State Prison

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

$7,500 Sign-On Bonus or up to 10K Student Loan Repayment may be available for eligible new hires.
This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $101,135 -$115.530.
Provides quality health care to inmates and employees during emergency events. Assists with overseeing the work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and other medical staff. Directs a staff of Corrections Nurse Technicians, Registered Nurses, and support services in coordination with the physician, dentist, psychologist, and security staff to ensure that inmates are provided appropriate medical care. Serves as relief for the Health Authority for the site. Provides skilled nursing care to inmates. Assesses inmates' health problems and needs, prepares and administers prescribed medications, initiates emergency interventions, first aid measures, and assists physician. Develops and implements medical/nursing guidelines and maintains medical records. Provides training as necessary to staff and education to inmates about healthy lifestyles. Assignments to other duties or locations may be necessary to meet the clinical and administrative needs of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
Must possess and maintain a valid unrestricted Virginia RN license issued by the board of nursing or a multi-state compact license (if you are a recent graduate of a nursing program in VA and not licensed, the NCLEX-RN exam must be scheduled at the time of application)
Knowledge of nursing and supervisory principles and practices
Knowledge of medication usage, actions, and side effects
Working knowledge of principles and practices of professional nursing
Ability to effectively communicate with others
Ability to perform full physical assessments
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 Corrections or Law enforcement environment
Nursing supervisory experience
Experience working with mental health patients

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.
Tobacco Free: All VADOC facilities are Tobacco free. Use of all tobacco products is always prohibited on site.
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: 10 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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