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Prison Nursing information

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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.
Licensed Vocational Nurse, CF; Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad, CA

Licensed Vocational Nurse, CF; Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad, CA

California Correctional Health Care Services

Fresno, CA • On-site

$3.9K - $7.5K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


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Job description

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 20 , and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.
Under the supervision of the Supervising Registered Nurse (SRN) II/III, Correctional Facility (CF) and the clinical guidance of the Registered Nurse (RN), CF, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), provides a basic and technical level of general nursing care to patients in a variety of correctional health care settings. The LVN, CDCR, pursuant to the LVN scope of practice and in collaboration with the health care team, ensures the delivery of appropriate and timely health care to patients. The LVN, CDCR provides technical patient care under valid authorization by a provider's order and the delegation and clinical direction of the RN, CF, provides support to the care team for daily health care operations, and communicates effectively with patients and other members of the health care team. The LVN, CDCR is responsible for addressing the ongoing needs of patients, working with the physicians and other health care providers, and promoting the efficient, appropriate, and cost-effective use of health care resources.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid, active license from the State of California to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
To view the duty statement for this position, click on the duty statement link.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Travel may be required.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520061
Position #(s):
936-213-8257-XXX
Working Title:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, CF; Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad, CA
Classification:
LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION $3,983.00 - $7,500.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Monterey County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Salinas Valley State Prison
Department Information Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
Across our organization, our programs work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR and CCHCS mission.
This advertisement is for an Licensed Vocational Nurse position(s) located at Salinas Valley State Prison and Salinas Valley State Prison Psychiatric Inpatient Program located in Soledad, CA ( Monterey County). Please indicate the position number on your application: 936-213-8257-XXX.
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
Department Website: https://cchcs.ca.gov/careers
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) valid, active CA Vocational Nurse License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications (MQ) will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting MQ's with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the MQ's, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .
Candidates new to CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis (TB) testing prior to appointment followed by department annual TB testing/evaluation thereafter.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov/ .
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. To prepare for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist .
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/14/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Regional Human Resources-Central
Attn: Jill Smith, Cert Unit 936 8257
Regional Human Resources - Central
PO Box 5359
Fresno , CA 93755
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Correctional Health Care Services
Regional Human Resources-Central
Jill Smith
Regional Human Resources - Central
PO Box 5359
Fresno , CA 93755
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Willingness to promote an inclusive workplace that empowers employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov , and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov .
Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx .
Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx .
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx .
This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://cchcs.ca.gov/careers
Human Resources Contact:
Jill Smith
(559) 221-3274
Jill.Smith@cdcr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Michelle Raya
(831) 677-1197
m_SVSPHiringRecruitment@cdcr.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
CCHCS EEO Office
(000) -
CCHCS_EEO@cdcr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Examination Information
To obtain list eligibility for the Licensed Vocational Nurse, before applying for the position(s), you should first take and pass the examination here CalCareers .
Additional Information
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO RE-EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENTAL RESTRICTION OF APPOINTMENT, STATE RESTRICTION OF APPOINTMENT, AND SURPLUS CANDIDATES.
All methods of appointment may be considered.
State Application Checklist: To prepare for the State application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Che

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