Department of corrections- Nevada

Published

Hello all, thanks for reading. I have a few questions and any and all help is appreciated. My husband is potentially getting a job with Nevada dept of corrections ad a c/o. If so, we will be relocating from California to rural, upstate Nevada. There isn't many other options for me to work. My questions are, how is the pay (I'm an lvn with 3 years experience), currently in California I make around $20/hr, but obviously cost of living is much higher here. And I am also wondering about the actual work itself. What are the types of duties you perform on a daily basis? What's the schedule like, 8 hr shifts or 12? Anything else I should consider? Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I am currently working in a northern NV prison. I just started here about 5 months ago but my husband has been with the Nevada Department for 14 years. When I went from the state psych clinic to the prison, I received almost a $30,000 pay raise. The pay here is very good. I believe starting LPN's make around $51,800 for the first year then a little over $56,000 after one year. Most of our LPN's work in the pill rooms and it's not a very difficult job. The LPN that works with us at night has it very easy. We do 12 hour shifts but I think there are some 8's available at our facility. You said rural Nevada so I'm guessing Ely? I'm not sure how they operate - we are medical yard and utilize a lot of nurses and have many ill inmates.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for the reply. Yes, you guessed it, it's Ely, NV. Sounds like it would be a great opportunity. Hopefully it all works out. Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I actually did have one more question that maybe you could answer for me. All the research I've done on NDOC everyone talks about the mandatory retirement that you pay into and takes a large portion of your check. Is it as bad as everyone says, or is there anyway around it? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I will give you an example. My last check grossed $4000 for two weeks (there was holiday pay on there). Federal income tax took out $700 and PERS took out $609 (that is our mandatory retirement we pay into). At my last job with the state as a Psych Nurse II, I had a paycheck that was $2479 gross for two weeks and PERS took out $328.

From what I understand, though....the retirement offered here is pretty decent. My husband will be able to retire in another 8 years at the age of 50 and draw 65% of the average of his three highest grossing years. So, if I were to stay at this job and in this pay grade until I am ready to retire, I would draw 65% of my $90k/year income. I don't that is too bad. I can also pay in more, I can buy years (to retire sooner rather than later without penalty), etc. There is a lot I don't understand and will be attending some of the classes they offer on deferred compensation, etc. to help with our finances. The drawback to the big payraise I took was a huge increase in taxes (I think I figured our taxes for 2014 will be approx. $21,000 and we only paid in $15,000 which means IRS will be getting a nice chunk of change).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh wow... ok thanks again for the info! I really appreciate it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to Nevada State Jobs online. They list all they Nevada State Jobs and their salaries. :) Most jobs in Nevada are 12 hours. Nevada does not do time and a half after 8 hours. Time and a half only applies to over 40 hour work weeks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok great, thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone! I know this thread is really old but I was just wondering if you could describe some of the tasks you guys do during the day as a correctional nurse in Nevada. I'm highly considering applying but I'd love to get more info. Thanks so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

Bear in mind when considering the mandatory contribution to the retirement system that Nevada state employees do not contribute to Social Security (Medicare yes, but not SS). That will partially offset your PERS contribution. You are vested after five years.

What RNs do depends upon their assignment. Some work the clinic desk, meaning that their main function is to check inmates in, take off orders and prepare them to go to pharmacy. They may also assist with some minor medical procedures. Those assigned to the infirmary care for inpatients, some mental health, some medical. Infirmary patients may include some on IV medications, some with trachs (no vents). We don't dispense blood products or chemotherapy in house. We don't perform dialysis at my facility. Some nurses participate in pill call. We also have one nurse who goes to intake on weekdays and does initial processing for new arrivals. Vitals are taken along with height and weight, and a general health assessment is collected based upon standard written questions. We have lab techs to draw blood, although an RN might have to do a draw or two if something comes up on a weekend or a lab tech is absent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion