How to Become a Correctional Nurse

Correctional nurses provide healthcare services to inmates in correctional institutions. Responsibilities include treating injuries and acute and chronic illnesses, responding to emergency situations, and presenting preventive health education.

Although this career can be physically and emotionally challenging, working with incarcerated populations provides an opportunity to improve their quality of life and contribute to rehabilitation. Use this guide to explore how to become a correctional nurse and what to expect from this career.

Correctional nurses usually work with incarcerated individuals in jails and prisons. They may also find employment in juvenile detention group homes, halfway houses, and work release settings. They treat a variety of medical conditions and may provide healthcare education to patients. These nurses sometimes work with administrators to develop health and safety protocols.

Nurses can enter the field as a licensed vocational/licensed practical nurse (LVN/LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Many correctional nurses acquire certifications to show they have the specialized training to work in a prison environment.

Aspiring correctional nurses can enter the field with an LVN/LPN certificate, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). They must pass the NCLEX exam for either LPN or RN licensure and fulfill other requirements in the state where they intend to practice.

Almost all employers require these nurses to have some work experience in a correctional setting. Correctional nurses who pursue specialized certifications can enhance their marketability and salary potential.

Correctional nurses can begin their careers after one year of postsecondary education as an LVN/LPN. Others enter the field after earning a two-year ADN or four-year BSN degree and RN licensure. A growing number of correctional nurses pursue graduate degrees and specialty certification.

At a minimum, a correctional nursing career requires a valid license as a practical nurse. Most employers prefer to hire RNs with either an ADN or BSN degree. Correctional nurses seeking broader career opportunities in advanced practice, clinical nursing, and managerial roles may benefit from acquiring a graduate degree and an APRN license.

While not a requirement for most positions, a growing number of correctional nurses pursue specialty certifications to enhance their marketability in the profession. LVNs, LPNs, and RNs with one year of work experience in a correctional setting can obtain the certified corrections nurse credential through the ACA.

The ACA also offers the certified corrections nurse/manager credential for RNs who hold an ADN, BSN, or MSN degree, or a three year nursing diploma. Candidates must have at least one year of correctional nursing management experience.

Many correctional facilities prefer to hire nurses with NCCHC’s certified correctional health professional – registered nurse certification. Candidates must have an active RN license, at least two years full-time experience as a registered nurse, and 2,000 hours of practice in a correctional setting within the last three years.

Correctional nurses’ responsibilities vary by their employment setting. Those who work in jails and prisons typically provide direct care under a physician or advanced practice nurse practitioner, treating illnesses and injuries, and responding to emergencies. They may also conduct health screenings and educate inmates on preventative care.

Correctional nurses working in halfway houses perform many of the same duties in addition to providing education and counseling on developing healthy lifestyle habits. Nurses who work in group homes with juvenile offenders or parolees may focus on education and coaching for healthy behaviors, offering guidance on substance abuse prevention, contraception, and issues related to preventive healthcare.

Job prospects for all licensed nurses, including correctional nurses, remain strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase from 2020-2030 for all registered nurses. However, employment opportunities for correctional nurses may vary depending on federal and state funding levels for correctional institutions. Ongoing national initiatives to reduce the inmate population will also affect employment for correctional nurses.

According to Payscale, correctional nurses earn an annual base salary of $68,185 with top earners making $95,000 a year as of May 2022. Overall compensation rates depend on several factors including experience, education and credentials, and geographic location.

Correctional nurses just entering the field can get help with job searching, resume writing, and interviewing skills through their nursing schools’ career placement offices. Professional organizations such as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the American Correctional Association provide opportunities for networking and professional development. Online job postings maintained by the American Nursing Association often list openings in correctional nursing.

LVNs/LPNs can enter the field after completing a one-year nursing program. An ADN program typically takes two years to complete, while a BSN takes four years. Bridge and accelerated programs can reduce the time needed to complete a nursing degree.

Correctional nurses need patient care skills in medical-surgical, internal medicine, emergency, and critical care nursing. The most successful nurses must be able to handle stress while maintaining an awareness of their environment and safety. They must also develop an understanding of the inmate populations they serve and the ability to remain compassionate and flexible.

Correctional nursing is not for everyone. In addition to the years of education and clinical training needed to earn a nursing license, these nurses must be prepared to work in challenging, unpredictable, and stressful environments, handling both routine and emergency situations.

While some correctional facilities only hire RNs, nurses who have completed a nursing certificate program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam often find employment in various correctional settings. These nurses typically work under the supervision of a physician or advanced practice registered nurse.