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Prison Rn Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg

Nashville, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Comfortable caring for a varied patient population, including forensic and prison-population ... Opportunity to grow your Med-Surg RN skills in a dynamic acute care setting * Work in Nashville ...

Prison Rn information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$46

$90

How much do prison rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison rn in Tennessee is $46.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.15 and $50.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison RN?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a prison RN?

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.

What unique challenges does a prison RN 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.

Do registered nurses work in prisons?

Registered nurses (RNs) often work in correctional facilities, providing healthcare services to inmates. They must be familiar with security protocols and may need specific training or certifications to work in this environment.

What are popular job titles related to Prison Rn jobs in Tennessee?

For Prison Rn jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prison Rn job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,324 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Travel Medical Surgical RN

American Traveler

Nashville, TN • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN Med Surg for a travel nursing job in Nashville, Tennessee.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Med Surg
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 10/05/2026
  • Duration: 14 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
  • Shift: Nights, 3x12hrs
  • Hours: 36 hrs/wk
  • Start Date: Oct 5, 2026
  • Length: 14 weeks
  • Openings: 1
Description

American Traveler is hiring a Registered Nurse for a Medical Surgical position requiring a TN or compact RN license and at least one year of Med/Surg experience, including comfort working with a forensic/prison patient population.

Details
  • Medical Surgical unit within a hospital setting
  • Night shift, 3x12-hour shifts from 19:00 to 07:00
  • 16-week contract assignment
  • Floating required to other Med/Surg and Telemetry units, including forensics and inpatient units
  • Must be comfortable providing care to the prison population
  • Facility enforces a strict no-call policy
Requirements
  • Active TN state RN license or compact multi-state license required
  • Current certifications in BLS, ACLS, and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
  • CPI certification required (MAB accepted in lieu of CPI)
  • Minimum 1 year of Medical Surgical nursing experience required
  • Experience with oncology patients
  • Skilled in IV therapy/phlebotomy, blood product administration, and peripheral line care/management
  • Proficient in starting and maintaining IVs
  • Skilled in cardiac monitoring and emergency response
  • Experience with isolation precautions/PPE and medication administration
  • Respiratory care experience required
  • Preferred skills include chemotherapy administration, interpretation and management of dysrhythmias, wound care/wound vac, PCA management, telemetry, and tracheostomy care/management
  • Two professional references required for consideration
  • PDF copies of driver's license and Social Security card required for consideration
Additional Information
  • Provide direct patient care within the Medical Surgical unit, including forensic and inpatient populations
  • Holiday coverage required for contracts starting in September, with nurses working 3 of the following 6 holidays based on assigned group: Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day
  • Schedule swaps with peers may be arranged to accommodate personal holiday preferences
  • Contracts starting in September should extend into the new year to ensure holiday coverage
  • Locals and first-time travelers are accepted at the same rate

American Traveler Job ID #P-743229. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - Med/Surg

About American Traveler

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.


American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999