Any NP's working for the Federal Bureau of Prisons?

zoidberg, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2012

this is old but... in NC the state is CONSTANTLY posting jobs for NP's needed in the prisons here. The state is always needing Psych NP's in state funded addiction, rehabs, and psychiatric hospitals, and for psych patients in prisons. And, NC pays NP's very well for such roles. Prison NP salary's start above six figures from what I have heard.

pennprincess · Jun 22, 2013

I recently started a job with the BOP and so far I like it. Its a different environment. Its security first, so may be a little slower paced depending on where you work. The lower the security the more it is like a family practice clinic. The higher the security the slower it may be with primary care clinic things, but then you add it urgent care for trauma related to altercations. I've only been there 2 months though - so things may change 6 months from now.

nursetim, NP · Jun 25, 2013

I looked into BOP, but their pay lacked dramatically. This was four yrs ago. I don't expect it has changed dramatically. Good luck.

NPAlby · Jun 25, 2013

How dramatically? I wanted to get in on a federal position but the VA pay was so low I couldnt justify it to my bank acct.

pennprincess · Nov 22, 2013

The pay for me was a big cut. However, my co-worker who started at the same time as me was able to negotiate to a similar pay to what they pay for primary care in the community. However, there is not a lot of room for him to go upwards. I was unable to negotiate due to the sequestration status, however, as a NP new to the BOP, I am trying to convert into PHS, where the pay is significantly higher than what the community pays, and is justifiable to work there. So just waiting to get accepted into the program... now if I don't - I'm really not sure what I'll do. :/ Either go into administration, or leave and come back when I can negotiate my salary for it to be comparable. I am hoping I don't have to cross that bridge.

Still liking it too, by the way - but I hear this all depends on the institution you're at. :)

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2013

How dramatically? I wanted to get in on a federal position but the VA pay was so low I couldnt justify it to my bank acct.

good benefits, though, aren't there? An actual pension, lots of vacation, sick, and holiday time?