Is CA still using agency nurses to cover staff shortage in corrections?

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

I am a Texas RN considering working in CA in corrections through an Agency, mostly because the agency RN positions here in Texas are few, unless you are willing to work all nights or in the long term care part of facilites. UTMB that runs the TDCJ medical care has recently cut WAY back on it's use of RNs due to budget constraints.

I was wondering, first, if CA is still using staffing agencies to cover staff shortages in their correctional facilities.

If so, which staffing agencies are usually used? I know that the state has had severe budget problems, and have read about state employees having to wait (?) for paychecks with IOU's. I am not really understanding what is going on there, but I know the state budget has caused many problems.

I am quite flexible as to what part of CA I go to, I am simply wanting some consistent work for short term contracts and wonder if this is even feasible any more. Also, if anyone has worked agency in CA, what is usually the hourly rate of pay for RN in corrections?

Any info. is appreciated.

Thanks:confused:

[ericbLVN]

Yes, agency nurses are still used. Go on Craigslist.org and do a search in health care jobs for "Corrections". Most of those posting are agencies although almost all of the one's that I have seen are looking for LVN's. Check out Maxim Health and American Correctional Solutions also...