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Prison Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$119K - $142K/yr

Registered Nurse - Multiple CA Locations Hiring! Location: Statewide Immediately hiring at the ... Correctional Training Facility, San Quentin State Prison, and Salinas Valley State Prison Are you ...

LPN/LVN - LVN

Delano, CA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Details Client Name KVSP - Kern Valley State Prison Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession LPN ... the RN and PCP with clinic appointments (e.g., physical exams, minor surgeries, casting ...

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Prison Rn information

What kind of nurses work in prisons?

Prison RNs are registered nurses who work in correctional facilities, providing healthcare services to inmates. They must have a valid nursing license, often work in secure environments, and may need specialized training in mental health or substance abuse care to address the unique needs of the prison population.

What's the highest paying job in prison?

In prison, the highest paying jobs are typically supervisory roles such as correctional officers or specialized positions like prison administrators, which require experience, training, and sometimes advanced certifications. These roles often come with higher pay due to increased responsibility and security clearance requirements.

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

To thrive as a Prison RN, you need strong clinical assessment skills, a nursing degree with active RN licensure, and experience in emergency and psychiatric care. Familiarity with correctional health systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and standard infection control protocols is essential. Excellent communication, resilience, and sound judgment are crucial soft skills for working with incarcerated populations in a secure environment. These skills ensure effective, safe patient care and help manage the unique challenges of a correctional healthcare setting.

How to become a nurse at a jail?

To become a prison nurse, you need to first obtain a registered nurse (RN) license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Experience in mental health or correctional healthcare is beneficial, and some facilities may require additional training or certifications related to security and inmate care. Employment typically involves applying through correctional facility job postings and meeting their specific requirements.

What are Prison RNs?

Prison RNs, or Registered Nurses working in correctional facilities, are healthcare professionals who provide medical care to incarcerated individuals. Their responsibilities include administering medications, managing chronic conditions, responding to emergencies, conducting health assessments, and supporting mental health needs. They work closely with other healthcare staff, correctional officers, and sometimes mental health professionals to ensure the well-being of inmates while maintaining safety protocols unique to the correctional environment.

What are some unique challenges a Prison RN may face compared to nurses in traditional healthcare settings?

As a Prison RN, you may encounter unique challenges, such as providing care in a secure environment where safety protocols and security restrictions are paramount. You'll often manage a higher patient-to-nurse ratio and work with individuals who may have complex physical and mental health needs, sometimes with limited medical resources. Collaboration with correctional officers is essential to maintain safety and coordinate care, and you'll need to develop strong communication and de-escalation skills to handle potentially volatile situations. Despite these challenges, many RNs find the work rewarding, as they can make a significant impact on an underserved population.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Prison RNs can increase their earnings by gaining specialized certifications, working overtime or in high-demand facilities, and pursuing advanced roles such as nurse manager or clinical specialist. Combining experience, additional training, and working in high-paying institutions can help reach higher income levels, including $300,000 annually.
What are popular job titles related to Prison Rn jobs in California? For Prison Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prison Rn jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Rn jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Prison Rn jobs? Cities in California with the most Prison Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Prison Rn job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution.
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

$2.7K - $3.0K/mo

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


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7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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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-520067
Position #(s):
936-213-8257-403
Working Title:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, CF; Salinas Valley State Prison, Soledad, CA
Classification:
LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION $2,718.40 - $3,000.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Monterey County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Part Time - 2/5 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 a Licensed Vocational Nurse position located at Salinas Valley State Prison and Salinas Valley State Prison Psychiatric Inpatient Program in Soledad, CA (Monterey County) . Please indicate the position number on your application: 936-213-8257-403 .
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
This part-time position will be working 16 hours per week. The monthly part-time salary range for this position is $2718.40 to $3000.00.
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.

Please 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 that 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.
Tuberculosis (TB) testing is required for candidates new to CCHCS 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.
  • Other -
    License: Possession of a valid, active license from the State of California to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse .
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.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.benefits.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.benefits.calhr.ca.gov/state-employees/retirement/ .
Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at Merit System Principles - An Overview - CalHR Website .
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 must first take and pass the CalCareers
examination.
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 Checklist .
Interview Checklist: To prepare for the interview process, please refer to the Work4CA: Interview Checklist .
CCHCS accepts electronic applications. If interested, please submit an electronic application (STD 678) thru your Cal

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