Correctional Nursing Jobs

Answer 1

Many people would be surprised that anyone would want to work in a prison or jail, but nurses working in correctional nursing jobs enjoy excellent salaries, government benefits, and independence. A correctional facility might offer as much as $4 or more an hour compared to a nursing job in the hospital, with comprehensive life, health, and dental insurance to go along with it.

Contrary to popular belief, prisons and other correctional facilities are not unsafe workplaces. Nurses will be guarded at all times, and will never be left alone with a prisoner. Due to all the many security guards that will be watching carefully, correctional facilities might even be safer than the average hospital’s emergency department. After all, every person entering a correctional facility will be screened through a metal detector for weapons, and the safety measures are second to none.

Correctional nursing jobs offer the registered nurse an incredible opportunity to grow in his or her career and nursing knowledge. While there will be a physician on call to answer questions and address concerns, for the most part, a correctional nurse is able to exercise his or her own judgment while treating patients. The registered nurse will be drawing up care plans and deciding how to proceed with injuries and illnesses on their own terms. There may be no other nursing specialty that offers the autonomy of a correctional nursing job.

One important thing to consider when choosing a correctional facility or prison to work at is the gender of patients you will be working with. Most correctional facilities are not mixed gender. Any nurse looking into correctional nursing jobs will be able to choose between working with either the male or female prison population.

The easiest way to find a correctional nursing job in your area is to call up local correctional facilities and inquire if they are hiring. Even if they are not currently looking for new employees, it does not hurt to drop off a resume, just in case they begin hiring in the near future.

Answer 2

Correctional nursing jobs, referred to as a correctional RN, work in correctional facilities and care for sick or injured inmates under the supervision of other medical professionals, such as physicians and nurse supervisors. In many cases, correctional nurses make more medical treatment decisions than those who work in other facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Although this type of nursing may seem stressful, correctional nurses are properly trained to protect themselves and are protected by security officers while doing their job.

Correctional nurses not only treat inmates, they maintain order and ensure their patents are safe. They may also treat correctional facility staff. Correctional nurses must obtain a nursing degree and a license to practice professionally as a nurse. Generally, correctional nurses aren't required to have additional or specific nursing skills related to those who work in other types of industries. All employees who work at correctional facilities receive specialized training for emergencies, security measures and procedures.

Because this occupation generally works in stressful and sometimes life or death situations, it requires emotional stability, strong leadership qualities and the ability to think independently and quickly. They must be alert and able to assess many medical situations, as well as the psychological well-being of the patients they care for. They must document all care given to their patients and ensure their work areas are clean and safe.

Although correctional nursing jobs may seem risky or highly stressful, the agencies they work for ensure their safety. Many correctional nurses work for state or federal government agencies, which often rewards employees with exceptional retirement and benefits packages, as well as good wages. The job isn't easy but the rewards make it worth it. Starting salaries for registered nurses range from $21 to $25 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2011. Starting salaries for correctional nurses can be in upwards of $32 to $40 per hour. The average salary was approximately $45 per hour or over $7,000 per month.