Correctional Nurse Jobs
Correctional Nurse jobs are open across federal and state corrections, county jails, and private detention facilities, from new-grad RN to charge nurse and director of nursing, with specializations in mental health, chronic disease management, and emergency triage. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 85+ Correctional Nurse jobs
COME WORK FOR THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Location: Travel between Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility
Pay: From $63.30 per hour
Correctional Health Nurse Practitioner
The Erie County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a highly motivated, committed Nurse Practitioners to practice at the Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility. The position offers a competitive salary, regular schedule, and comprehensive insurance. This environment provides emergency care, primary care, and addiction medicine within the incarcerated setting. If you are interested in a new experience, please submit your resume.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of New York. Previous experience as a Nurse Practitioner preferable.
Adult Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner Degree
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $131,670.00 - $159,908.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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Find Correctional Nurse JobsCorrectional Nurse Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Virginia Department of Corrections32
- Blue United Sourcing6
- Altruistic Health Services6A
- California Correctional Health Care Services5
- PRECISION HEALTHCARE4
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in correctional nurse jobs.
- Active RN or LPN license in the state where the facility is located
- Ability to pass a thorough criminal background investigation and security screening
- Experience conducting health intake assessments and sick call evaluations
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Basic Life Support certification current at time of hire
- Knowledge of NCCHC or ACA correctional health standards and documentation requirements
- Familiarity with managing chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and substance withdrawal
Tips for Your Correctional Nurse Job Search
Highlight security clearance readiness early
Many correctional facilities run background checks before extending an offer, so list any prior government employment, security badges, or law enforcement exposure on your resume. Gaps or unaddressed history slow the process down significantly.
Certify in correctional nursing before applying
The Certified Correctional Health Professional credential from NCCHC signals you understand the unique ethical and legal constraints of incarcerated patient care. Listings at federal facilities increasingly list it as preferred, so earning it before you apply sharpens your competitiveness.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists correctional nurse openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to intake and triage
Correctional facilities prioritize nurses who can conduct rapid health screenings on new intakes, identify withdrawal risks, and flag mental health crises fast. Lead your work history with those specific duties rather than general bedside care accomplishments.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers at correctional facilities typically ask how you'd respond if an incarcerated patient refuses care or if you suspect a colleague is being manipulated. Rehearse answers that show you can maintain clinical boundaries without escalating tension.
Negotiate scheduling terms before accepting
Correctional nursing often involves mandatory overtime, rotating shifts, and holiday coverage tied to facility staffing rules, not standard nursing contracts. Clarify shift rotation frequency and overtime expectations during the offer stage so there are no surprises after onboarding.
Correctional Nurse Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most correctional nurses?
The companies hiring the most correctional nurses right now include Virginia Department of Corrections, Blue United Sourcing, and Altruistic Health Services, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Private corrections health contractors and state department of corrections systems tend to post the highest volumes year-round.
How many correctional nurse jobs are remote?
About 8% of correctional nurse openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most correctional nursing duties. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are correctional nursing education, telehealth triage coordination, and quality assurance roles within larger corrections health organizations.
How do you become a correctional nurse?
Start by earning your RN or LPN license through an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX. Gain clinical experience in emergency, psychiatric, or primary care settings, since those translate directly to correctional work. Many nurses then pursue the Certified Correctional Health Professional credential from NCCHC to demonstrate readiness for the custody environment before applying to facilities.
Can you get hired as a correctional nurse with no corrections experience?
Yes, many facilities hire nurses without prior corrections experience if your clinical background covers emergency triage, psychiatric care, or substance use treatment, since those skills align closely with daily correctional nursing demands. Emphasize any experience with high-acuity or underserved populations on your resume, and be direct in interviews about your comfort working in a secure, custody-focused environment.
What does the correctional nurse interview process look like?
Most correctional nurse interviews involve a phone screen with HR, followed by a panel interview that includes a facility health services administrator and often a custody supervisor. Expect scenario-based questions about patient refusals, managing medication distribution, and responding to emergencies in a locked unit. Some facilities also require a facility tour and a written assessment of a clinical scenario before a formal offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to correctional nurse jobs?
You can find and apply to correctional nurse jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that fit your license, specialty, and location, then apply directly to each listing that matches your experience.
See All 85 Correctional Nurse Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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