Correctional Nurse Career Overview

how long to become

2-4 years

job outlook

9% growth from 2020-2030

For All RNs

average earning potential

$68,185

SOURCE: Payscale

Correctional Nurse Career in Brief

Correctional nurses provide healthcare to inmates in correctional institutions. Some also provide care to staff, but inmates are usually correctional nurses' primary population.

Correctional nurses work under the direction of physicians or nurse practitioners and may supervise nursing assistants. They monitor inmates' health, treat inmates' health conditions and injuries, and may provide health education and coaching.

Career Traits

• Communication skills
• Collaborative
• Empathy
• Interpersonal skills
• Maximizing resources

Where Do Correctional Nurses Work?

Correctional nurse jobs are almost entirely in jails or prisons, but correctional nurses may also work in halfway houses, group homes for juvenile offenders, and work-release settings.

• Jails or Prisons

  Correctional nurses triage healthcare issues, provide direct care under a physician or advanced practice nurse, conduct health testing, and educate inmates on preventative health.

• Halfway Houses

  Correctional nurses conduct health testing, educate inmates on healthy eating and other health habits, and provide direct care.

• Group Homes

  Correctional nurses offer health education, including on substance use and reproductive health, provide direct care, and coach on healthy habits and behaviors.

Is Correctional Nursing Right for Me?

Correctional nurse jobs can be tremendously demanding both physically and emotionally. Inmates may exhibit antisocial behaviors toward correctional staff and have multiple or complex health problems. Facilities also may not be well resourced. Still, correctional nurses have the satisfaction of knowing they are helping people in need of care and that they can play a role in rehabilitation.

How to Become a Correctional Nurse

Correctional nurses can practice as a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice RN. (Terminology is the only difference between LPNs and LVNs; Texas and California use the term "LVN.")

Some nurses begin their career as LPNs, since that takes just one year of education. Others start with the two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

Earn your high school diploma or equivalent

All nursing programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the GED. (Most schools recognize international equivalents of high school diplomas but may require a test in English-language proficiency.)

Graduate from a BSN, an ADN, or LPN/LVN program

An LPN program takes one year, an ADN takes two years, and a BSN takes four years.

Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN to receive nursing licensure

LPNs/LVNs must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), while RNs take the NCLEX-RN. Only a graduate with an ADN or a BSN can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN.

Gain clinical nursing experience

A licensed nurse can begin entry-level work as a correctional nurse, but because of the complexity and demands of the correctional environment, some nurses may prefer to gain clinical experience elsewhere first.

Consider becoming a certified correctional health professional (CCHP)

Certification is not mandatory, but some employers or positions require or strongly prefer certification. The CCHP certification is the entry-level certification and a requirement for the CCHP-RN credential. The American Correctional Association also offers certifications.

Advance your career by earning a master of science in nursing (MSN)

The MSN degree is required to become an advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner. Advanced practice nurses can diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments, including medications.

Certifications in Correctional Nursing

• Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP)

  This credential does not require work experience but applicants must hold a nursing license; students and new entrants may apply. The multiple-choice exam includes questions on correctional healthcare standards.

• CCHP-RN

  This credential requires the CCHP credential and a two-hour multiple-choice examination on correctional nursing topics.

• CCHP-A

  This is the advanced version of the CCPH credential. It requires the CCPH and passing an advanced essay examination on correctional healthcare standards.

• CCHP-MH

  This credential focuses on mental health. The two-hour multiple-choice exam requires an existing CCPH credential and completing questions on mental health standards for correctional healthcare.

How Much Do Correctional Nurses Make?

The average annual base salary for correctional nurses is $68,185 as of May 2022, according to Payscale. The total pay ranges from $51,000 to $92,000. Several factors determine correctional nurse salaries, including experience, required credentials, and geographic location.

Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth from 2020-2030 for all RNs. However, correctional nurse job growth will depend on funding for correctional institutions, changing inmate healthcare needs, and any regulations that affect correctional staffing levels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Correctional Nurses

How long does it take to become a correctional nurse?

It can take one year to become an LPN and either two or four years to become an RN, depending on whether the nurse has an ADN or a BSN degree. Entry-level CCHP certification does not require experience.

What kinds of questions are on the CCHP-RN exam?

The questions on the CCHP-RN exam cover correctional nursing practices, including policies, legal and ethical issues, disease transmission and prevention, communications, and nursing program management. The questions are multiple choice.

Is correctional nursing safe?

While many might view working in a correctional facility as unsafe, these facilities follow high-security protocols to ensure the safety of all inmates and staff. In any setting, nursing presents health risks due to exposure or interactions with people under severe stress or with mental health conditions. Correctional populations can present additional risks, but in all settings, following best practices and procedures greatly reduces risk.

What unique challenges do correctional nurses face?

Correctional healthcare facilities are often under resourced, and correctional nurses may feel some ambiguity about caring for persons who have committed certain crimes. However, most nurses caring for inmates see their role as serving an at-risk or vulnerable population.

Resources for Correctional Nurses

• National Commission on Correctional Health Care

  The National Commission on Correctional Health Care issues certifications, conducts facility accreditations through peer review, offers professional development opportunities, and publishes standards, newsletters, and a journal. Unlike the organizations listed below, it is not an association and does not have members.

• American Correctional Nurses Association

  The American Correctional Nurses Association offers professional development and continuing education, including conferences, and conducts advocacy to increase correctional health resources. Nurses and nursing students are eligible for full membership and others for affiliate membership.

• Academy of Correctional Health Professionals

  The Academy of Correctional Health Professionals issues newsletters and a journal, provides professional development and continuing education in partnership with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, and connects students and young professionals with mentors. Membership is open to all interested in correctional health.

• American Correctional Association

  The American Correctional Association publishes correctional standards, performs accreditation, offers professional development and education, and issues certifications, including certifications for correctional behavioral health, health services administrators, correctional nurses, and correctional nurse managers.

Page last reviewed May 4, 2021