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Prison Rn Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Rn information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$45

$88

How much do prison rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison rn in Austin, TX is $45.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.14 and $49.53 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.
What are popular job titles related to Prison Rn jobs in Austin, TX? For Prison Rn jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Prison Rn jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Rn jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Prison Rn jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Prison Rn job openings:
Prison Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Rn job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,609 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Nurse Clinician III (RN) - Travis Unit

Nurse Clinician III (RN) - Travis Unit

UTMB Health

Austin, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

UTMB Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). JOB SUMMARY:

JOB SUMMARY:

Competent clinician to provide direct nursing care to an assigned group of patients and possesses knowledge and skill to meet standards for competent professional nursing practice as specified in the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Competently functions as a member of an interdisciplinary care team which is focused and patient centered. Manages unexpected or emergency situations that are commonly seen in assigned specialty population. Serves as a resource for other nursing staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Competently and independently assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the daily care of assigned patients.
  • Competently identifies patients care needs, formulates appropriate nursing diagnoses, develops and individualizes care plan, and revises plan of care as needed.
  • Competently executes physician's orders for all assigned patients. Administers medications and treatments and delivers culturally congruent and specialty appropriate competent nursing care in accordance with UTMB, TDCJ and/or TJJD policies, procedures, and standards in a caring and compassionate manner.
  • Competently and independently performs routine and complex technical procedures/skills in assigned specialty area.
  • Competently and independently plans, coordinates, and prioritizes patient care activities according to skill level and work complexity.
  • Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure established for department.
  • Performs related duties as required.
EQUIPMENT:
 
Standard patient care supplies, equipment and mechanical devices.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
 
Located within the confines of a prison, jail or juvenile detention center. Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is also required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
  • Registered Nurse (RN) with two (2) years of clinical RN experience.
  • Must possess and maintain a current license or valid permit to practice in Texas.
  • Current BLS-HP required.
 
This is an open-pooled position. Education/experience will be considered and the position may be filled at a lower or higher level, as appropriate. Applicants with less than two (2) years of experience will be considered for a Nurse Clinician II or Nurse Clinician I position. Will also consider recent graduates with temporary permits.
 
Salary is commensurate with years of relevant work experience.
 

 Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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