Correctional nurse pay

Specialties Correctional

Published

Hello,

I graduate nursing school in a few short months and have read a lot of the threads on here. I was just curious as to how much a nurse would make in a prison? LPN vs RN and some of the responsibilites that you had. Best parts of the job? Worst parts of the job? I am just really intrigued and would loved to hear from anyone who has worked in this profession. Thank you :)

13grad71

218 Posts

Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.

Like in any nursing specialties, it depends on the geographical location. Also it depends if BOP, State, County or private contractor like Naphcare or Corizon. What state do you have in mind?

Mandycane

7 Posts

PA, preferrably.

LilRedRN1973

1,062 Posts

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

As already mentioned, it will depend on the state/geographical area you are looking to practice in. RN's starting out at the prison I currently work at make $68k a year if they have no previous nursing experience. If you have previously practiced as an RN, then you start out as a Correctional Nurse I and the pay is $76k per year for the first year and $81k the year after when you are automatically promoted to Correctional Nurse II. I am a Correctional Nurse III and make $90k a year.

Mandycane

7 Posts

I'm just curious as to which state this is in?

tyvin, BSN, RN

1,620 Posts

Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Most of all the federal and state institutions will pay according to the state's union wages of that particular profession; both LPN & RN. Do a search of your states union wages for RNs & LPNs, and you will get your answer.

:)

LilRedRN1973

1,062 Posts

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I am located in Nevada.

maddison1002

14 Posts

I work in Pennsylvania for Wexford Health Services in a county prison. I am an RN and make $22 per hour.

1mom2boyz

26 Posts

I know this thread is like 6mo old but I graduated LPN school in March, Passed my boards in march and Just got hired at a county jail in Pennsylvania for full time dayshift @ 22.50/hr if I work other shifts it 23.50 for 2nd and 24.00 for 3rd shift.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN

2,066 Posts

Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I am located in Nevada.

Nevada DOC does not hire new grad RNs. You may be able to catch on with a county or city jail, but our RN positions require a minimum of one year of nursing experience.

f1j1nurse

114 Posts

Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Public Health.

CA private jail Contractor anywhere from 45- 55 bucks an hour depending on where in Cali the jail is located and which private contractor it is. California State Corrections starts off at 7400 a month or so but they do not hire new grads, they need at least one year experience as an RN.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

LVN in TX. I did sick call, helped the doctor/NP/PA & passed meds. Pay varies between $18-$22/hr. I worked at a state prison, county jail & a detention center.

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