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Prison Rn Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Travel Med-Surg/Telemetry RN

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Patient population includes general med/surg, forensic, and prison/correctional populations ... Active RN license -- TN or Compact license required * Current certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke ...

RN - Med Surg/Telemetry

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

RN - Med Surg/Telemetry Shift: Night 3x12-Hour (19:00 - 07:00) Description: BLS, ACLS, NIH and CPI ... Must be comfortable with the prison population. 1yr required. Local and 1st time travelers are ...

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Prison Rn information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$46

$90

How much do prison rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Prison Rn job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,324 per year, or $46.8 per hour.
Travel Med-Surg/Telemetry RN

Travel Med-Surg/Telemetry RN

American Traveler

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

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

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Med Surg / Telemetry
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 07/20/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
  • Shift: Nights, 3x12hrs
  • Hours: 36 hrs/wk
  • Start Date: Jul 20, 2026
  • Length: 13 weeks
  • Openings: 1
Description

American Traveler is hiring an experienced RN for a Med/Surg Telemetry position in Nashville, TN, requiring ACLS and comfort working with a correctional/forensic patient population on night shifts.

Details
  • Hospital-based Med/Surg Telemetry unit
  • Patient population includes general med/surg, forensic, and prison/correctional populations
  • Floating required to other MS/Tele units, including forensic and inpatient units
  • Night shift schedule: 3x12-hour shifts, 7:00 PM โ€“ 7:00 AM
  • 13-week contract
Requirements
  • Active RN license โ€” TN or Compact license required
  • Current certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale, and CPI (Management of Aggressive Behavior/MAB accepted in lieu of CPI)
  • Minimum 1 year of RN experience required
  • Must be comfortable working with prison and forensic patient populations
  • Valid driver's license and Social Security card required for consideration
  • Two professional references required for consideration
Additional Information
  • Local candidates are welcome to apply
  • First-time travelers are welcome to apply

American Traveler Job ID #P-721018. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - Med/Surg Tele

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.